WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY & RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

We LOVE what we are hearing about peace at Washington Elementary
School.  Through their innovative Restorative Justice program, they don't punish; they instead help students to make amends for any harm they have done. Students learn peaceful ways. 

The Gandhi Alliance for Peace recognizes this school for making a peaceful difference in the lives of young people.

For the details, read on!

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Restorative Justice makes a difference

The Gandhi Alliance for Peace is interested in promoting peaceful ways to resolve conflict and increase better relationships within schools and communities. We support programs in schools that engage students in peaceful practices and reduce harm by helping students understand their mistakes and make better choices.

Restorative justice is one such program being implemented at Washington Elementary School in Washington County School District in St. George, Utah.

Restorative Justice, an alternative disciplinary approach, encourages better relationships and provides an opportunity for offenders to make amends. It is a peaceful way to resolve conflicts rather than the conventional disciplinary approach.

At Washington Elementary, the administration, teachers, and staff work with students to “repair harm and teach students to move forward,” said Mr. Bryant Urry, assistant principal.

If students fight, bully, or disregard school rules, they are taught how to make amends through think sheets, apology letters, and skills lessons. “The school has a Restorative Skills Classroom where restorative practices are taught by having students read books, complete lessons, learn about emotions, interview adults about appropriate ways to solve problems, and make plans for better behavior,” Mr. Urry said. “It makes students think. This is part of our school behavior plan.”

Parents seem to like the program, and the staff members are feeling that the school is much more peaceful and positive, offered Mr. Urry.

The restorative justice process is part of the “Leveling Up” school-wide behavior program.  The goal is for students to consistently use positive behavior in the classrooms and school. Each week teachers provide data to the administration that indicates the number of students that have consistently met the school’s behavior rules: 1) Keep hands and feet to yourself; 2) Do what you are asked to do the first time and follow directions; and 3) Don’t talk when the teacher is teaching.

The goal is for the school to be at 80% positive behavior. Results are posted weekly on the Leader Behavior Board. Rewards are given to the grade with the highest percentage.

Restorative Justice and The Leveling Up programs at Washington Elementary are indicators of Gandhi’s hope for a better world—And the Gandhi Alliance for Peace honors Washington Elementary’s powerful steps toward peace.