A Much Needed Restorative Restart
We define the word “restorative” as “having the ability to restore health, strength, or a feeling of well-being.” 2020 was a year of medical trauma, mental trauma, and social trauma, so a restorative restart in 2021 is exactly what the doctor ordered. Parents for Public School’s Restorative Restart workshop is a way to acknowledge and affirm the shared and diverse experiences community members have had during the pandemic. Students and families, community, and schools share their needs as we return to in-person learning and learn about available supports and opportunities.
The workshop’s objectives include:
Reconnect with each other and build new relationships
Share experiences and hopes for the return to in-person learning
Listen and learn about the experiences and needs of others in the school community
Identify priority needs for each family and for all students and the school community
Map existing resources and identify areas of additional needs
A school community partner opened their doors and invited PPS-SF staff to facilitate a Restorative Restart workshop. Both parents and staff spoke openly and candidly regarding the impact of the 2020 school year.
The comments below are from families and school staff who participated:
“It is a full week since the Community meeting, and I am still thinking about your presentation.”
“It was obvious that the participants were engaged. The content was spot-on and timely.”
“I would hope that you can do a repeat close to when school opens in August 2022.”
“Thanks for bringing your knowledge and energy to the meeting.”
“Thank you so much for your presentation last night. I know it was small, but it was sooooo good.”
After the listening session, school staff and parents then focused on solutions to the problems that were shared. Parents agreed to partner with the schools and the schools agreed to focus on the social-emotional well-being of the students as we seek to recover from the trauma of 2020.
Proof positive that our entire community can benefit from a restorative restart.
Want a Restorative Restart for your organization or school? PPS-SF provides a fee-based service for families in the city. Contact Greg Bailey for more information at greg@ppssf.org.