January 2024 Recap
Greetings Community,
There can be so much pressure to make big, quick changes at the start of a new year.
White supremacy and capitalism tell us that we have to learn and produce very quickly, and this can feel especially true during the new year season. We believe it is critical- as an organization supporting our school communities in often crisis/urgent situations - to remind ourselves and each other that we get to slow down, build in reflection, and support each other well.
Our first pause of the new year to reflect and support one another in global solidarity came one month ago when Journalist Bisan Owda called for a global strike to support a permanent ceasefire in Palestine (a siege that has now surpassed 131 days).
We also started off the new year with an intention to connect with each of the 200+ educators and leaders we work with on a daily basis through our Restorative Practices school programming and remind them that we see and value each of them and the hard work they do every single day. We provided sloth stuffies to each person - that can also be used as talking pieces in class circles - with a personal note and reminder to go slow and trust the process (and have fun!).
A box filled with the sloth stuffies
Throughout January, our team facilitated weekly professional development trainings at our partner elementary schools and engaged staff in rich conversations and activities about school-wide restorative practices. We continued to provide targeted training for teachers, helping lead circles in classrooms, participate in school committee meetings, and plan for Restorative Justice (RJ) student leadership programming in the Spring!
Restorative Justice Practitioner Lena leads training with John Muir staff
We concluded January with our district-wide Restorative Justice Community of Practice event - the third of this year that invites 100+ school leaders, educators, and restorative practitioners from across Seattle Public Schools to engage in deep learning, networking, and celebrating with one another. We introduced new training topics based on surveys from participants about what they would like to learn more about including: Shifting School Culture and Scaling RJ Practices, Circle Planning/Circle Question Brainstorm, Discussing Problems of Practice and What is Working, and How to Implement Restorative Practices Outside of Circle Practice. We have one more planned for April 24th, we look forward to sharing more information in the near future.
Scholars enjoying community building circle and games with RJ Practitioner, Mari!
Community RJ Practitioner, Chelsea Gallegos, leads a workshop at the district-wide Community of Practice event on January 31st with Manuel Cadenas, "How to Implement Restorative Practices beyond Circle"
As we look ahead, we are excited to begin preparations for our (9th annual!!) Freedom Schools summer program. It’s our favorite time of the year. Truly.
Speaking of summer and Freedom Schools, we are now hiring current and aspiring educators to join us this summer!
