• OUR RESTORATIVE MINDSET

    Above all else, we recognize that the building of connections and relationships is essential to developing a strong and productive school community. We believe in shaping young people into emotionally intelligent, autonomous, and accountable human beings. We are one community and we succeed or fail together. We believe that human connection is our greatest asset.  


    Our restorative practices are built upon the following foundational elements: 

    • Safety
    • Accountability
    • Observance
    • Respectful

     

    How Do We Do This At Rice?

    We strengthen our school communities by working to develop school environments that reflect the following: 

    Relationships and trust are at the center of all healthy school communities. The stronger our relationships, the stronger our learning and the safer our schools will become.  

    All members of the school community are responsible for one another. 

    Multiple perspectives are always welcomed.

    All youth need a chance to learn from their mistakes and put them right. Conflict resolution is an important social skill they will need throughout their lives.

    Conflict is best resolved through honest dialogue and community problem-solving that addresses the root causes and needs of all those involved.

    Wrongdoers should be held accountable and also supported to take an active role in repairing the harm caused. This collaborative process is essential to maintaining a healthy school community. 


    What Does This Look Like?

    We build positive relationships between students, school personnel, and families to promote quality learning and strong school communities.

    We respond to harm in ways that strengthen those relationships and address the root causes.

    We use disciplinary responses that focus on students’ actions and the harm caused rather than just responding to “rule breaking.”

    We promote school cultures in which students behave because they’re motivated to become valued members of their school communities.

    We provide students with strategies that will empower them in addressing future challenges and succeeding in life as they grow older. 

    Students take responsibility for their actions, repairing the harm, and learning how to make things better in meaningful ways.