Restorative Practices and Connection Circles

Restorative Practices is an important part of the culture at Independence. Restorative Practices is based in the belief that wrongdoing is best addressed through identifying the harm done by one’s actions and taking steps to repair that harm. Restorative Practices focus on the 5R’s: relationship, respect, responsibility, repair and reintegration. This process gives everyone a voice, identifies motivation and impact, teaches alternative behaviors, repairs damage, and builds empathy in an authentic way. Restorative Practice has been developed with one specific goal in mind; to support and facilitate the building of healthy relationships through improved communication and personal development. At Independence, all grade levels have daily classroom meetings that are connection circles. Connection circles allow students to practice speaking and listening skills while giving voice to all students and the opportunity to share their perspective. When there is a conflict or problem between students, we can have a more formal restorative conversation. Because students are familiar with connection circles, they have the skills to have a restorative conversation.