Annie O'Schaughnessy, a Vermont-based consultant, provided training to SHS staff on August 23, 2019, in implementing restorative practices. Restorative practices refers to a set of techniques that educators can use to ensure that the school culture is an environment of safety, voice, respect and belonging, and techniques that help educators respond to harm in schools.
During the professional development, teachers participated in games from The Heart of Play by Howard Moody, learned about restorative communication, and practiced a circle, one of the fundamental processes of restorative practices.
This school year, SHS educators are committed to promoting student belonging at Springfield High School. This will take place through improvements to the advisory program, the collaborative development of class expectations with students, and the use of learning activities that are personalized to the needs and interests of the students.
If you are interested in learning more about restorative practices or seeing restorative practices in action, please contact the SHS office at 802.885.7900.