directory of

New Jersey Restorative Justice Initiatives

(To be updated soon)

Website: Restorative Justice Montclair

Description: Restorative Justice in Montclair Public Schools is a comprehensive framework made up of three interconnected and equally important concepts; creating just and equitable learning environments, nurturing healthy relationships, and repairing harm and transforming conflict. Restorative Justice is not an add on. It is the foundation upon which we create educational spaces that support and respect the inherent dignity and worth of all students, staff and families. By intentionally building healthy relationships, it reduces the likelihood of conflicts or disruptions in classrooms. Rather than focusing on the infraction, Restorative Justice uses a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of conflict. By doing so, the goal is to limit the use of exclusionary practices. 

Please see website for additional information.

Website: www.mka.org

Contact Persons:

Gilliian Branigan, Dean of Students gillian@mka.org 973-783-8302

Lily Cui, English Teacher lcui@mka.org

Description: Beginning in the summer of 2019, Diversity and Inclusion practitioners, Deans of Students, and Deans of Student Life began seeking out more formal training and education on Restorative Practices, and how they would support MKA in helping create a humane and authentic culture.  While the work at first glance seems to live in the world of discipline, all who engaged in the training (IIRP https://www.iirp.edu/restorative-practices/what-is-restorative-practices) realized that Restorative Practices are far deeper and more meaningful once practitioners (ideally all community members) see RP as a part of all personal interactions, rather than something that is tethered solely to discipline.  http://schottfoundation.org/sites/default/files/restorative-practices-guide.pdf

In the summer of 2019, with the help of the Black Student Experience Task force, Restorative Justice was written into the Code of Conduct as a tool in the toolbox.

This was highlighted in parent communication and with the student body:

• Restorative Justice*: Restorative Justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by hurtful behavior. It is best accomplished through facilitated, cooperative processes that allow all willing parties to meet face-to-face or through some other means. This can lead to transformation of people, relationships, and communities. In certain situations, this practice may be employed when the MKA community or members of the MKA community experience harm or are made to feel unsafe by another member of the community.

 *Definition based on the Center of Justice and Reconciliation

Work in further incorporating RP into our school’s culture primarily has been happening with the Tri-Campus Social and Emotional Learning Committee, which includes the Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism, the school counselors from each campus, Health teachers, and other administrators.  This work will continue to be folded into advisor training as more people are familiar with the mindset.

Restorative questions have been incorporated on all three campuses as a guide when helping students who have been harmed or have caused harm.

Restorative Questions 1* (when things go wrong)

• What happened?
• What were you thinking of at the time?
• What have you thought about since?
• Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?
• What do you think you need to do to make things right?

Restorative Questions 2* (when someone has been harmed)

• What did you think when you realized what had happened?
• What impact has this had on you and others?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

* from the International Institute for Restorative Practices, Canada