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District showcases restorative-practices pilot as part of efforts to boost belonging
Summary
District staff and students demonstrated restorative-practices circles used in six schools, saying the approach supports student readiness to learn, builds empathy, and creates opportunities for in-class conflict resolution.
District leaders presented a restorative-practices demonstration and student testimonials designed to show how structured classroom circles support social-emotional learning.
Dr. Mysanek introduced the team and explained that the district has piloted circles in six schools to increase student readiness and sense of belonging. School staff led trustees through circle agreements: respect the talking piece, listen with "ears, heart, and mind," and give everyone a turn. Katie Nava, a school social worker, and teacher Hannah Hebble described classroom uses ranging from quick icebreakers to academic share-outs.
Students participated in a brief activity and one student, Matilda, spoke to the board about her experience. Staff described outcomes including improved empathy, fewer removals from class and more opportunities to resolve problems within the classroom rather than removing students.
Trustees praised the presentation and invited staff to share the materials for broader staff training. Administration said the district is integrating restorative circles with SEL teams and Panorama survey data and will continue professional development and pilot expansion across buildings.
