THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, February 7, 2020 Page 5 Restorative Justice program taking shape for middle school students By Christopher Roberson W ith the success of the Restorative Justice program at Everett High School, eff orts are now underway to implement the program at the middle school level. During the February 3 School Committee meeting, Paolo Lambresa, assistant principal of the Lafayette School, said the goals of Restorative Justice include facilitating peer relationships, respecting cultural diff erences and providing students with a sense of belonging. “Our students deal with a lot of trauma outside of school,” said Lambresa. He said the fi rst phase of implementing the program for middle school students began during the 2018-2019 academic year. “It’s a culture shift, you really have to change the building,” said Lambresa. Therefore, the program would not be rolled out until 2021. “It takes multiple years to do it right,” said Lambresa, adding that he was part of the fouryear implementation process at the high school. “We can’t just put a curriculum there without any training.” Lambresa said the district is being assisted by Estelle Archibald of the Institute for Restorative Initiatives at Suffolk University. Archibald also helped launch the program at the high school. Since Restorative Justice began at Everett High four years ago, Lambresa said, in-school suspensions have decreased by 65 percent, offi ce referrals have decreased by 42 percent and out-of-school suspensions have decreased by 44 percent. “We focused on creating a positive school culture,” said Lambresa. “It might sound little, but saying ‘good morning’ to someone can really make their day.” He also said that an out-ofschool suspension should only be used as a last resort. “No one wins when a student is externally suspended,” he said. “You JUSTICE | SEE PAGE 17 Easy Financing Available! AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready! OIL CHANGE SPECIAL Up to 5 Quarts of Oil (Most Vehicles) Includes FREE Brake Inspection & Safety Check Only $24.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2009 FORD F-150 CREW CAB 4X4, One Owner, Most Power Options, Only 118K Miles, Just Serviced, Trades Welcome! PRICED RIGHT! $9,500 2010 FORD FUSION SE 4 Cyl., Auto., 1 Previous Owner, Most Pwr. Options incl. Keyless Entry, & Pwr. Sunroof. Only 70K Miles! ALL TRADES WELCOME! ALL TRADES WELCOME! $5,995 781-321-8841 1236 Eastern Ave • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! dine drink gather enjo Friday, February 7 at 8 PM to the 90's y Saturday, February 8 at 9 PM A Musical Tribute THIRD MAN IN with RUN FOR COVER First Breakaway Appearance! Friday, February 14 at 9 PM WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Saturday, February 15 at 9 PM Celebrate Valentine's Day with WILDFIRE The Guns & Roses Experience! Dance the Night Away! Friday, February 21 at 9 PM BRANDY Nation's #1 Jason Aldean Tribute Friday, February 28 at 9 PM VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE Saturday, February 22 at 9 PM ULTIMATE ALDEAN EXPERIENCE with Danny McCarthy Trio 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com
6 Publizr Home