learning & equity
teaching,
13% THE SPASD HAS AN EXPLICIT FOCUS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, STUDENT PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, ACADEMIC GROWTH, GAP CLOSING, AND POSTSECONDARY READINESS FOR EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY. We strive to increase our outcomes through access and opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
24 senior students participated in youth apprenticeships in a variety of fields: Construction Information Technology Nursing Assistant Finance Engineering
Automotive Technician Diesel Technician Biotechnology Manufacturing/Welding Vet Technician
Miles Hanson, a graduating senior and manufacturing Youth Apprentice with E.K. Machine, and now an employee. He was also on the home construction crew that built a Habitat for Humanity home.
Community-Building Circles at Cardinal Heights Students and staff members take part in community-building
idea that whoever is holding the object can share. The process allows
circles at Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School. The circles involve
students to have a voice and share it with others, helps students
students and teachers sitting in a circle in their classrooms with the
develop leadership skills, and lays the groundwork for a further
intent of discussing some tough subjects and building community.
restorative justice process. Staff members usually facilitate the circles,
At the start, everyone agrees on some simple rules or guidelines
but they are also training students to facilitate.
that are based on the school’s “CARES” framework, which stands
The school is building toward everyone knowing how to process
for Community, Accountability, Respect, Empathy, and Safety.
conflict, work through harm that has been done in the community,
In these weekly circles, the groups discuss a certain
and come up with solutions through restorative justice
topic by passing around a “talking stick” item, with the
circles run by students. For example, when students are caught fighting, instead of receiving a suspension, they could repair the harm they caused through a circle. This is a very low-risk opportunity for kids to learn about one another. This model was created by Tom Cavanagh, an instructor at Colorado State University, who started the Restorative Justice Education nonprofit organization.
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2019–2020 A REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY
