Now THAT’s What I’m Talkin’ About!
According to CNN, the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators who developed the compromise that funded CHIP and ended the federal government shutdown used a talking piece (three different objects over the course of the negotiations) as part of their deliberations. Read the story here and notice how members commented about the power of the talking […]
On the Shortest Day of the Year
Happy Winter Solstice, and thank you for joining me this year in learning about restorative justice. At this time when the sun seems farthest away, educators like you are using restorative justice to bring light and warmth to our world. These caring professionals are strengthening our students by giving them a voice, holding them accountable […]
Addressing One Cause of Truancy Restoratively
If you have attended my Introduction to Restorative Justice or Restorative Justice 101 sessions, you’ve heard me use truancy as an example of how our communities can be accountable to “offenders.” Often kids who are truant have reasons for skipping classes that might not be obvious to the adults in their schools. Many, for example, […]
Restorative Justice v. Bullying
I just opened the blog from last week’s Ed.Gov newsletter. The article, touting the First Lady’s and Secretary DeVos’ school visit to highlight bullying struck a chord with me. Like the author, in my restorative justice experience, I have often found that those who exhibit bullying behavior have a clear justification in their minds for […]
Seven Mesmerizing Minutes to Give You Hope
If you know me, you will not be surprised to learn that I listen to National Public Radio (NPR). The other day I was late for an event, but I was mesmerized by the story of a Washington, DC high school that is using restorative justice. NPR officially calls experiences like this, “driveway moments,” and […]
The Results are in: Trainings’ Approval Percentage in High 90s
After every training we ask attendees to complete evaluation forms to help us measure how we’re doing. As you can see, responses have been overwhelmingly positive from both the large-audience and boutique seminars! If you haven’t already experienced one of our sessions, contact us about our training offerings and join us at an upcoming session. […]
Here to help
August 1st brings new legal requirements affecting your school discipline process. Are you ready to comply with the new law requiring your school to consider restorative justice before imposing a long-term suspension or expulsion? We can help. Schertzing Communications, LLC supports the use and integration of the restorative justice philosophy and practices in schools. As […]
Get Ready to Comply with New School Discipline Laws
With Memorial Day upon us, the end of the school year is just a blink away. In your summer planning for the 2017-18 school year, don’t forget the new law requiring schools to consider restorative justice before imposing a long-term suspension or expulsion. This new law turns Zero Tolerance on its head, and takes effect […]
Implementing RJ: What does it Look Like? Where do you Begin?
As the current school year draws to a close, administrators are looking ahead to 2017-18. Looming large is the new Michigan law requiring schools to consider restorative justice before imposing long-term suspensions or expelling students. This law takes effect August 1st, so schools will need to be ready to comply before the first student walks […]
When I present on Restorative Justice . . .
I share the basics. Restorative justice discipline is based on ancient principles of addressing the harm resulting from misconduct, rather than focusing on what rule was broken. It defines accountability as healing the harm caused by one’s actions rather than taking the punishment. Conducted in an atmosphere of equal respect for all parties in a […]