Student-Led Restorative Justice at BUHS
Restorative Practices are tools and methods that focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships as a result of conflict. This differs from punitive justice practices, which focus on punishment. In a restorative model, students account for their actions and engage in a process that challenges them to look at:
Who was harmed
How relationships were damaged
The impact on the community
How we can repair harm and relationships
What we can do to prevent recurring problems
How are Restorative Practices used at BUHS?
Individuals referred to the restorative office are invited to engage in the process of repair, sometimes as an alternative to punishment, sometimes just because it helps resolve conflict. Anyone can make a referral, and the process is voluntary. It does not supersede any administrative decision.
The Restorative Panel is a group of students who train and practice in this model, both in-house and through specialized training. When feasible, they facilitate restorative circles between willing participants. We meet weekly. Your level of involvement on the panel is voluntary.
Both of the following slideshows offer a more comprehensive view of Restorative Practices at BUHS:
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION detailing some specifics about restorative practices. This slideshow is student-created, and has been used in small group presentations to adults and students alike since 2022.
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW THAT IMITATES A LIVE PRESENTATION about Restorative Practices at Brattleboro Union High School. This lo-fi presentation was delivered by John Kersey to the staff in August of 2024. I’ll probably deliver it again.
HERE IS AN INTERVIEW between John Kersey, current BUHS Restorative Practices Coordinator, and Mike Szostak, two-decade-long BUHS Restorative Practices Coordinator and founder of the program. This interview was recorded in the fall of 2024. Apologies for sub-par mic quality on Kersey’s end; Mike’s end sounds pretty good.
If you want more information or resources, have questions, or want to get involved, please reach out: [email protected]. Bear in mind that our work is centered around the learner, so please understand that your inquiries or follow-ups might be handled by students from the Restorative Panel.
Who was harmed
How relationships were damaged
The impact on the community
How we can repair harm and relationships
What we can do to prevent recurring problems
How are Restorative Practices used at BUHS?
Individuals referred to the restorative office are invited to engage in the process of repair, sometimes as an alternative to punishment, sometimes just because it helps resolve conflict. Anyone can make a referral, and the process is voluntary. It does not supersede any administrative decision.
The Restorative Panel is a group of students who train and practice in this model, both in-house and through specialized training. When feasible, they facilitate restorative circles between willing participants. We meet weekly. Your level of involvement on the panel is voluntary.
Both of the following slideshows offer a more comprehensive view of Restorative Practices at BUHS:
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION detailing some specifics about restorative practices. This slideshow is student-created, and has been used in small group presentations to adults and students alike since 2022.
HERE IS A SLIDESHOW THAT IMITATES A LIVE PRESENTATION about Restorative Practices at Brattleboro Union High School. This lo-fi presentation was delivered by John Kersey to the staff in August of 2024. I’ll probably deliver it again.
HERE IS AN INTERVIEW between John Kersey, current BUHS Restorative Practices Coordinator, and Mike Szostak, two-decade-long BUHS Restorative Practices Coordinator and founder of the program. This interview was recorded in the fall of 2024. Apologies for sub-par mic quality on Kersey’s end; Mike’s end sounds pretty good.
If you want more information or resources, have questions, or want to get involved, please reach out: [email protected]. Bear in mind that our work is centered around the learner, so please understand that your inquiries or follow-ups might be handled by students from the Restorative Panel.
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