Restorative Practice and/or Restorative Mediation (Circle) in Schools:

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The Mason Jar is a mindfulness activity sometimes used in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).  The activity aims to help people become aware of where harm has been done,  and how conflict, traumatic events, stressors, life, and interactions could negatively impact others. 

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Because my passion is to support schools so they can become a safer and stronger environment,  I am building a curriculum called "The Mason Jar", to introduce to school staff and students, to show how Restorative Practices/Mediation work and how useful and effective they can be in supporting those who may be struggling with truancy, friendships, school/home environments, substance use, history of trauma, etc.

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The goal is to introduce/launch "The Mason Jar" before the start of the 2024/2025 school year.  I hope to collaborate with schools enough to continue to build, and implement, a Restorative Practice that best fits the school's needs. 

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Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) greatly supports the use of Restorative Practices vs punitive consequences in schools:   https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/prac/

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Additionally, being a neutral, I am able to facilitate a Circle. therefore supporting both the school and parent/guardian as they create a plan, and tackle tough conversations, surrounding:  Due Process, Truancy, and Substance Use or Child Welfare concerns. Prior to seeking assistance from, or referring a family to, the Court or County, Restorative Mediation is an excellent alternative as it gives all parties (school staff and parent/guardian) the opportunity to be heard and have an equal voice in the process and final agreement. The end goal is to help lead students away from conflict- parental involvement is a must to achieve this goal.  

 

For further information, please feel free to contact me. 

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