Restorative School Practices of Maine, a division of the Restorative Justice Project, is offering six workshops in restorative school practices for spring 2013. Check the RJP website for further details and a registration link.
Introduction to Restorative School Practices
This workshop introduces participants to restorative school practices that have proven effective and sustainable. The workshop format will include presentations, circles, discussion and video of restorative school practices in action.
Two sessions held on Friday, March 15; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lewiston & Bangor
Facilitators: Pam Anderson and Ansley Newton (Lewiston); Barb Blazej and Penny Linn (Bangor)
Cost: $125 per person (includes morning refreshments and lunch)
Register by Feb. 22
Connecting Restorative Practices to Brain Research
This workshop will focus on elements of current brain research that inform restorative school practices. The central topics for discussion will be how restorative practices connect to brain research and assist in creating resilient school culture for staff and students.
Wednesday, March 20; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lewiston
Facilitator: Chuck Saufler
Cost: $125 per person (includes morning refreshments and lunch)
Register by Feb. 27
Using Circles in Schools (6 hours of Intro pre-requisite)
This workshop introduces participants to a key restorative practice, using circles both proactively and responsively in school communities. The workshop will include presentations, videos of actual circles with students in school, participating in circles, and practice planning and facilitating circles in response to a variety of school scenarios.
Friday, April 5; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Kennebec Valley Community College, Fairfield
Facilitators: Pam Anderson and Penny Linn
Cost: $125 per person (includes morning refreshments and lunch)
Register by March 15
Utilizing Restorative Practices in Bullying Prevention
With the passage of PL 659, “An Act to Prohibit Bullying and Cyber-bullying in Public Schools,” all schools are involved in creating both model policies and best practice approaches to meet the requirements of the law. This workshop will provide best practices in bullying prevention through the use of a restorative school practice approach that supports a safe and supportive climate for all students.
Friday, April 19; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lewiston
Facilitators: Ansley Newton and Chuck Saufler
Cost: $125 per person (includes morning refreshments and lunch)
Register by March 29
Implementing Restorative Practices in a Whole-School Approach
This two-day workshop is specifically designed for teams from schools that are in the process of implementing restorative practices. The workshop will include presentation, discussion and time for team planning. School teams should include one administrator, and you must have a pre-requisite of six hours of Intro.
Thursday & Friday, May 2 & 3; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day
Augusta
Facilitators: Ansley Newton and Chuck Saufler
Cost: $240 per person for both days (includes morning refreshments and lunch)
Register by April 11
You may also mark your calendar for two Summer 2013 offerings:
5th Annual Summer Institute in Restorative School Practices
This three-day Summer Institute will introduce participants to the full range of restorative school practices. Within a whole-school approach, these practices build caring school communities that support students, staff and administrators in feeling connected and respected, which enhances learning outcomes. Discipline becomes part of a learning environment featuring accountability and support rather than punishment and exclusion. The Institute will include presentations, discussion, practice using the circle process, videos, and a panel of teachers and administrators who are using restorative practices in their schools.
June 26 to 28
Location TBD
August Training: Intro to RSP (see description of Intro workshop above) and Restorative Conference Facilitation Training
Restorative Conferences are conducted to address the most serious misbehaviors or offenses, and involve the student, their family, and the people who have been impacted or harmed. Through the conference process the person who caused the harm is required to take responsibility and be accountable for their behavior. When properly planned, this process gives all parties an opportunity to talk about what happened and together determine an agreement for the future. Building on the restorative school practices philosophy, this two-day Restorative Conference Facilitation Training will provide opportunities for attendees to gain a greater understanding of restorative discipline, with a specific focus on when to use the restorative conference process, preparing for a conference, running a conference and conference follow-up. This will be a participatory workshop involving role-play facilitation practice, discussion, and forums for sharing experiences and ideas for implementation. Pre-requisite: a six-hour Introductory training.
Intro session held August 14; Restorative Conference Facilitation Training held August 15 & 16
Location TBD
More information
- Restorative School Practices web page
- Barb Blazej
Coordinator of Restorative School Practices of Maine
barb@rjpmidcoast.org