New Beginnings with Hillside's Restorative Justice Circles

On a recent Tuesday morning in March, there was only one student in Kenan’s Restorative Practice Center, so he was able to go out to a Spanish class during 1st period to introduce what Restorative Practices are, and show the teacher, Ms. Sommers how to do a restorative circle.

Going to classes and doing activities with students is a way to prevent the need for behavioral consequences.

Kenan explained to the students about Restorative Circles. Some students listened quietly to Kenan, while sitting in rows facing the board. It was a mix of male and female students, a mix of black and Latinx students.

At first, there were a few students who seemed to take it all as a joke, or who had their heads down and tried to ignore Kenan.

Kenan got students to move their chairs into a circle. This was met with some groaning, but, the circle eventually formed. Kenan pointed out that most of the students were African American, and less than 5 students were Spanish-speaking. To promote unity, Kenan puts objects in the middle of the circle to represent and include everyone. Kids smiled.

And eventually, as the circle progressed, people began taking it more seriously. The first question Kenan asked was, How are you feeling? Some people said they were tired, some said they were stressed, some said they were happy. Some students said they didn’t even know how they felt.

Next question. “When you look outside, what do you see in your community?” Answers included “group racists,” segregated communities. Some said they see crackheads, others said diversity, struggle, fear, a community wanting to help, trouble, drugs. Another said trees, grass. Another person said it was like a ghost-town, there was nobody out there. “I see people trying to make it. I see them trying, but it’s like they’re hopeless.”

Kenan’s next question was, “If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be and why?

Answers: My decisions. More money. My attitude.

Many students shared very personal hopes for things they wished they could change in their lives.

After everyone shared these perspectives, hopes, and experiences, Kenan invited students to offer encouraging statements to the circle. And this is when everybody started really being vulnerable and open. Students said such as things as, “If you have something to say, don’t hold it in. It makes it worse. It can lead to depression and anxiety.”

“Don’t paint a picture, don’t live a fake life.” “Stop allowing your problems to make you who you are.”

Kenan wrapped it up. Nobody was acting like it was a joke, or like they weren’t interested anymore. Kids felt better, they connected, they released pressure. They felt like weight was lifted. They felt restored.