Berlin High students demonstrate restorative-practices pilot to Olentangy board

Students from Berlin High School demonstrated restorative practices to the Olentangy Local Board of Education on Dec. 16, saying the approach strengthens peer relationships and teaches repair-focused conflict resolution.

"Restorative practices empower students to take an active role in building a positive school culture," student Jaden told the board, describing the OFN framework — observation, feeling and need — used to guide conversations without assigning blame. The students performed a role-play in which a peer mediator used mirroring and then guided the parties to an apology and mutual understanding.

Joe Endinaro introduced the student-led group and said the team had been recommended by Berlin staff to participate in the district pilot. Students said they completed training in August and led a district professional-development session for staff, and that the pilot included more than 100 students at West High School during practice sessions.

Student presenters described a stand-up/sit-down activity used to surface shared experiences, and said the lessons had helped participants recognize feelings and take responsibility. They urged the board to allow expansion of training to middle and elementary schools and to continue bringing experts in for follow-up training.

Board members praised the work. One board member said the presentation was “awesome” and called the practices “life skills,” while another noted that the exercises can help people feel heard and lead to productive problem solving.

The students and staff said the initial training was provided at no cost and stressed plans for ongoing fidelity checks and teacher training. The board welcomed the presentation and invited the team to stay for the remainder of the meeting.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; presenters described next steps that would include further training for staff and exploration of rollout into younger grades.