Silver Springs students present RAISE restorative program to trustees
Summary
Students from Silver Springs High School’s RAISE program described the student-led restorative justice process they run as an alternative to suspension, outlining eligibility, restorative circles and a 30-school-day plan that includes counseling and community engagement.
At the Nevada Joint Union High School District board meeting on Jan. 15, a team of Silver Springs High School students presented the RAISE program (Restorative and Accountable Youth Solutions), describing how student-led restorative circles provide an alternative to suspension at four district sites.
RAISE student leaders — identified in the presentation as Kelly (junior), Kylie (sophomore), Ash (junior), Dazen (junior) and Nando (junior) — told trustees and the audience that the program is voluntary: students referred after making a poor choice may opt into RAISE rather than receive an out‑of‑school suspension. The student presenters said RAISE excludes fights, violent incidents, students who lack accountability, and students assigned to other sanctioning programs; typical referrals include substance use, truancy, cutting class, disrespect and vandalism.
Students described the RAISE process: a circle convened by the student team plus staff (1–2 staff members and occasional returning participants), selection of a student leader for the circle, development of a restorative plan that includes at least one activity in each support area, a commitment to repair harm (structured conversation or letter), a community engagement project, counseling with the RAISE counselor (Lori) and academic tutoring when needed. Presenters said most students complete the plan over approximately 30 school days and that students who complete RAISE return as peer supports in future circles.
A student told the board the program helped them overcome attendance anxiety after transferring to Silver Springs, improved their attendance to 92 percent and provided academic and counseling support. Trustee Pritchett praised the students’ courage in presenting and said their example could encourage peers to choose restorative options rather than suspension.
Why it matters: RAISE is one of the district’s alternatives to suspension and ties directly to the district’s discipline work, which staff told the board earlier in the meeting they are calibrating across sites to improve fairness and outcomes.
Ending: Trustees commended the students and staff for the program; district leaders said they are expanding supports and exploring training for RAISE leaders so the program can handle a wider range of community‑harm incidents in a structured manner.
