Skyline students lead restorative 'Sky Squad' to reduce conflict; board hears student testimony

Skyline High School’s student‑led Sky Squad presented its restorative practices to the Ann Arbor Public Schools board April 23, describing peer‑led circles, mentorship and reentry meetings the school uses as alternatives to exclusionary discipline.

Principal Casey Elmore said Skyline uses restorative conversations and circles to repair harm, promote accountability and welcome students back after suspensions. The program includes a student Sky Squad that helps set up circles, mentors younger students and runs outreach events.

Senior Sky Squad member Annalise told trustees she mentors five or six students and meets with them twice a month: "It's been an amazing opportunity ... I work with them, and I make sure that they're doing okay." Another member, Tyson, described Sky Squad as an opportunity for leadership and conflict‑resolution training.

Elmore and student speakers said the program has reduced repeated conflicts and improved hallway interactions following circles. Trustees asked whether similar programs exist districtwide; presenters said other schools have peer mediation or conflict‑resolution programs but not the same student‑led Sky Squad model, and noted plans for a student symposium to share practices with neighboring districts.

Skyline leaders said they track meeting counts and mentor engagements; they also collect feedback after restorative conferences but acknowledged limits in quantifying long‑term outcomes. Trustees asked staff to include evidence and metrics as the district considers ways to scale successful practices.

Trustees applauded the student presenters and encouraged expansion and evaluation of student‑led restorative models across district high schools.