Welcome! Dave Kisch Stillwater Area High School Resource Officer Mary Leadem Ticiu Stillwater Area High School Assistant Principal

Introductions Why we are here… Create an understanding of the possibilities of partnership Share our common interests: community & school are stakeholders in community Clarify how RJ circles make a difference in school climate and the culture we create

Demographics 2,250 students Washington County Small town feel First ring suburb 3 AP’s, 6 counselors, 1 SRO

What is a School Resource Officer? Officer Kisch, Oak Park Heights Police Department, Black Pony Center On site investigation and school/community safety and security

What is an Assistant Principal? Serve students and families whose last names fall between A-Ha, Hb-O, or P-Z Student discipline Staff development School safety Diversity MNHSL Fine Arts Liaison/Academic co-curriculars

Success in safety depends upon… Good planning Good security Swift identification of threats that are real Quick response with intervention to prevent violence

Needed an alternative to formal system Joined staff with background as RJ Planner YCAPP program for alternatives to suspension Teachers who care about 3R’s: Relationships, Rigor, Relevance Community accountability School is a place of learning and discipline means to learn Can always resort to punitive model if RJ fails

What is a Circle? You can have a circle in a square Non hierarchical group and yet be honest of intent if you plan to have added consequences outside of the group. Take off your hat but not your interests Level the playing field Share power Proximity is intentional

Who is involved? Direct participants Those who have the most to gain from the impact of understanding perspectives and the resulting agreement/offering. Voluntary-More honestly voluntary coercion applies

Who can have a Circle? Full admission of responsibility Willingness to respect process and participants Commitment to make a change and restore despite the past

What kind of offenses? Circles are for the most serious level of offense They often require a serious time commitment. RED TAPE EXERCISE

Types of Circles Accountability Learning Healing Sentencing Other

Real life examples… Harassment of new bus driver Possession of weapons Homecoming tradition of streaking Social skills for Asperger’s/Autism spectrum Information on website: Theft from team member

Additional examples Suspension IEP Reentry from suspension or alternative placement

Truth… Not everything changes in a circle

Learning beyond expected What challenges have we seen? Repeat issues with girlfriend and boyfriend contact Ironically, some students experience more power, fun, love, belonging in circle and want to misbehave to be given opportunity to “circle up” and be heard. Hence, we see a need to have circles to celebrate success in classrooms and beyond.

Do you believe… All behavior has a purpose. Behavior is an attempt to meet an unmet need. Our students come to school with the intent to be and do their best. Conflict is an opportunity to learn. Life is not fair. Change takes time.

Restorative partnership Slides for school wide class meetings Meet and Greet everywhere you can Present at orientation and other school activities Classroom guidance Parent advice for issues of use/theft that may not be charged but must be addressed Active School wide Safety Committee SIT and RTI

School’s Discipline Policy Includes Restorative Measures Restorative measures Restitution symbolic and financial Exit conference with emphasis on PIES or the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual/Social needs

Ask good questions and investigate Seek answers Listen to all parties Expect change Coordinate and communicate with family members on the first instance

Is hazing a problem here? Clearly defined policy and immediate consequences apply! “Committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to become initiated into a student organization.” SAHS is a student organization, activities, clubs, etc. Could include: physical or emotional components, forcing the use of chemicals, or depriving individuals of basic needs.

But it’s okay to haze during Homecoming right? No, it is never okay to act against the will of another. Hazing taken seriously Notify staff or administration Administrators will investigate Parents/Police will be contacted Discipline policy is followed

Can I be suspended for fighting in school? Yes, you can Investigations Criminal charges could be filed Seek staff, counselor, administrator for help before Every student has an obligation to retreat

How do I avoid a fight? Bring it on…in an admin or counselor setting. Use circle as a means to an end. This is a school and a place for us to provide for an education first. Conflict creates an opportunity. Believe it and model it. I.e. staff have option to use circle in lieu of insubordination

Suspension Data School SAHS Suspensions YCAPP SJHS Suspensions YCAPP OJHS Suspensions YCAPP

Thank you! Questions… feel free to contact us OR