Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1190776
Restorative Practices M A L I B U H I G H S C H O O L psychologist Juliette Boewe recommends giving students opportunities to openly share feelings and thoughts with each other and adults in a circle format. These restorative circles can include prompts or talking pieces to encourage struc- ture and consistency. Begin with low-risk questions; gradually increase to medium and high-risk questions. Be sure to agree to ground rules for discussion, to allow for emotional expression and to conclude dis- cussions with a focus on positive takeaways. Sample script to facilitate discussion: "The fires have impacted all of us. It is normal to have many different emotions and reactions. Some of you may feel scared, angry, guilty, shocked or relieved. These emotions may change and may last a while. I want you to know that this school is a safe place and that all teachers are here for you. Today, and over the next couple of weeks, we are going to support each other and take time to talk about what has happened." Discussion starters: • What has this been like for you? • How have you been taking care of yourself? • How have you been taking care of others? • Where have you seen helpers? • How can we support each other? • How did you help your family during or after the disaster? • How could you help your family if you were in another disaster? • Did anything good or positive happen because of the disaster? • Did you learn anything? • What has this experience made you grateful for? like Chico that weren't directly affected. In Chico Unified, classrooms bulged as they provided temporary homes for evacuated students. Trezza says one fifth grade class had 39 students, and lack of space became an issue throughout the district. "It was a big mess at the beginning of the year," she says. "Our classrooms are full." The warm embrace of CTA family As these communities rebuild and recover, a common refrain is how much the thoughts and support of their CTA family meant during very difficult times. And even as these educators continue efforts that go far beyond helping students in the classroom, they lament being unable to thank everyone who wrote a message, donated their time or sent supplies. "We get so drained trying to work our way through this," says Smith. "Getting those positive vibes from fellow CTA members and teachers really means something." Memories of the destroyed Paradise Elementary are still fresh in students and educators minds alike. In nearby Chico, school counselor Ashley Trezza says students have shown signs of secondary trauma from the fire. "We get so drained trying to work our way through this. Getting those positive vibes from fellow CTA members and teachers really means something." —David Smith, Teachers Association of Paradise president 35 D E C E M B E R 2 019 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0