Warren Township is working to add a new addition for students called the “Restorative Practices Center” to both Warren campuses. In other words, this can be considered a redo room for students. It provides students with a calm space where they can decompress without feeling overwhelmed in the crowded hallways or stress of their classes. This can help to increase students’ mental health and performance in school. Not only that, but it can provide a safe space for students to go when needed or necessary, and provide opportunities to improve student mindsets.
Since the recent referendum passed, Warren Township has been able to add many factors in order to support student needs. The Restorative Practice Center being one of the additional factors. According to Almond Campus Associate Principal, Laura Kirk, “We were able to create a space that could address a multitude of needs for all of our students.” Not only that but, Dr. Kirk adds, “It will be a flexible space where the goal is to teach, re-teach, resolve, and restore.” With this goal in mind, the Restorative Practice Center will be available for restorative conferences, conversation circles, peer mediation, and family-group meetings with the intentions of helping students.
According to WTHS Psychologist Joe Jordan, he views this room as, “a space that is dedicated to promoting positive relationships while also addressing conflicts in a constructive manner.” Furthermore, Mr. Jordan also states, “We also hope to use that space for student support groups where certain groups of students will be provided with additional group intervention support that will center on building prosocial skills and healthy lifestyle habits.” Similarly, WTHS Social Worker, Janice Zimmerman sees the Restorative Practices Room as, “a safe space for every student, regardless of their race, class, gender, ability, or any other aspect of their ability, to feel connected and cared for so that they can thrive.”
If students utilize this room with good intentions, teachers should see improvement in students’ mental health throughout the week. Also, allowing students to perform to their highest capabilities while hopefully having to worry less about outside factors with the help of the Restorative Practice Center. “This dedicated space shows a commitment to helping everyone in the Warren community move through conflict in a healthy way while learning problem-solving skills that they will use in the future,” says Ms. Zimmerman.
The Restorative Practice Center not only can improve Warren students themselves, but also the relationships between WTHS staff and students. This is explained by Ms. Zimmerman, who specifically states, “The positives I see in the future include an increase in trusting relationships between staff and students as well as daily practice of reconciliation. Relationships can become messy because feelings can be so strong.” By students and staff having greater positive relationships, it can lead to school becoming a safe space for students who would benefit from the extra support system.
This room is available for anyone to stop by to see the space and/or to utilize if the resources in the room would be a benefit to you! Lastly, Ms. Zimmerman adds, “Dedicating ourselves to restorative conversations that include mediation and perspective-taking allows for mediation to occur leading to understanding.” Never hesitate to seek help and make the most of the resources provided here at Warren because after all, it’s here to help you!
