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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Wet winter, warm spring make buds burst ... Ashlanders can drop off their green waste for free on Saturday ... Lions stop taking paper for recycling ... Wet winter, warm spring make buds burst ... Ashlanders can drop off their green waste for free on Saturday ... Lions stop taking paper for recycling ... EDUCATION Local school a leader in conflict resolution learning John Muir Elementary School second in county to practice Restorative Justice Comment By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 6:54 PM By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 6:54 PM » Social News Two elementary school boys are in Principal Deidre Pearson’s office at John Muir Elementary School in Ashland. They may not be aware of it but they are part of a beta testing program designed to resolve conflict borrowed from the court system called Restorative Justice. The boys are working through an issue of one child stealing the other’s hat and wanting to be chased by the child who lost his hat. The boy with the hat does not appreciate the game — at all. He collects them and it’s serious business. By the end of the conversation they are smiling. The program, begun earlier in the year, seeks to work through conflict by identifying what’s going on with all the people involved. Pearson says in the old model one child would be removed and punished and the other would never really know what happened. In Restorative Justice, everyone discusses and works it through based on four basic areas and questions. The focus is on what was the thought process at the time of the action, how does each person feel, what is the impact and what can be done to resolve it and make it right. Pearson says most often issues can be fixed by understanding and communicating. She says in her experience people rarely mean harm. “I’ve had parents who have been very angry and defensive of their child who they think was being bullied," she says. "By the end of the conversation, they’ve been hugging each other in the hall. That’s how well this works.” The Restorative Justice model comes from criminal justice where those who commit crimes or violations are expected to make restitution, understand and explain their actions and seek to make it right with victims. In Jackson County, Resolve, formerly known as Mediation Works, provides training and support in schools to begin the program. At John Muir, Restorative Justice was funded by a donor. The program exists in other schools, but Roosevelt Elementary in Medford is the only other elementary school taking this model on. Allison Wildman, a parent who is part of the parent teacher collective at John Muir, speaks highly of the program. “It’s already working," Wildman says. "Problems are resolved quickly by everyone talking and working it out.” Pearson agrees, saying her parents and teachers see the efficacy. “Many of the parents and teachers tell me," she says, "'I wish I had this when I was a kid. I could have had so many fewer problems as a child and in life as an adult.'” Pearson sent a letter out to parents earlier in the year explaining the program. Part of what it said is, “This approach acknowledges that, when a person does harm, it affects the persons they hurt, the community, and themselves. When using restorative measures, an attempt is made to repair the harm caused by one person to another and to the community so that everyone is moved toward healing.” Pearson says it’s been widely embraced by parents, teachers and students. They are developing a common language about working through conflict. The eventual goal is to create an informal process which resolves conflict on the spot. She’s hoping children will be able to eventually practice the model without any adult intervention. The initial idea of Restorative Justice came to the U.S. more than a decade ago and began spreading through juvenile and adult court systems. It’s relatively new as a model for stopping school conflict, but it’s becoming more common, according to Pearson. “Restorative Justice, and its associated Restorative Practices, is gaining local, statewide and national momentum in criminal justice, K-12 school and community settings.” Pearson also says the trainings they had as a team involving everyone in the life of a child has reinforced the need for creative and truly healing practices about conflict. In a letter she sent home to parents she urged cooperation and enthusiasm: “At John Muir, we will work toward strengthening our classroom and school community at a grassroots level. Students and staff will develop a common language for talking about everyday conflicts that arise in a school setting and learn ways to address these issues as a team.” So far, so good. Pearson says the boys with the hat conflict enjoy playing at recess. She says the hat is still off limits, but they both understand and have found common ground and know how to play together. Pearson says the program was first suggested to her by a parent. If any parent, teacher or principal is interested in learning more, she suggests contacting Resolve in Medford. The nonprofit agency offers training and even onsite counselors for those who wish to participate. Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ @julieakins. By Julie Akins For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Julie Akins For the Tidings Posted Apr. 26, 2016 at 6:54 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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