“Parents deserve to see their child’s needs met, their ambitions realized, and their gifts valued in school. Children deserve a school environment which gives them a wonderful safe space in which to learn, grow, make connections, become independent and able to recognize the agency they have over their own futures.”
At Schools that Move Souls, we believe that student education is most successful as a partnership between school and home. Engaged families are important to the success of any school, and nothing is more powerful than a parent’s love for their child. What happens in classrooms becomes even more vital to children’s growth and development when their parents are enlisted as partners with schools. Parents want to make decisions in the best interests of their children, so children can maximize their potential and grow up to be infinitely successful in life. But we know that all schools aren’t welcoming to all families. And some parents’ desires for their children are not being heard by school staff. No parent should have to see their child impacted by bullying or by their feelings of not being respected or their gifts being devalued by schools. Many students are unfairly disciplined, given consequences that don’t suit the behavior. Other students are negatively impacted by unruly classrooms, all too often losing valuable instructional time. This was the situation that Dr. Zac Robbins was determined to address in his Las Vegas school. By addressing deep-seated policy issues and implementing Restorative Justice practices, Dr. Robbins was able to raise graduation rates from 65% to over 90%. In two years, 608 students were diverted from suspensions or expulsions to Tribunals and Circles that saw them restore broken relationships in the classrooms.
“Elsa read her apology letter with a shaky voice. In fact, her whole body shook, and the paper trembled in her hand. When she finished reading her apology letter, the class applauded for her.
They were “with” her, and I’m sure many saw their personal struggles in Elsa and experienced catharsis through hers.
Her teacher said, “We accept your apology. Welcome.”
Elsa went to her seat. The teacher kept teaching, and learning continued.
While walking back to my office, I turned to Ms. Green and said, “This is going to work.”
Ms. Green turned, smiled, and said, “It’s already working, Dr. Robbins.”
Excerpt from: Restorative Justice Tribunal and Ways to Derail Jim Crow Discipline in Schools (Routledge, 2021, Chapter Two)
What Can the Schools that Move Souls Team Do For You?
Childhood should be a wonderful time for all children, and children should see school as a safe space where they can learn, grown, and make friends. Dr. Zac Robbins and his partners at Schools that Move Souls can work with your child’s school to ensure it is a place defined by kindness, care, and responsiveness to students’ needs. We can help your family discover how to be responsive to each other’s needs. As a result, you can equip your child with your family values and self-esteem that will protect and guide them when they are not in your care. Contact Dr. Zac Robbins and the Schools that Move Souls team to wrap students with your caring and protective family values today. Contact us to find out more.
Get Families Involved In Your School or District Today!
Contact Dr. Zac, so We Can Set Up Your Family Engagement Plan.