Durango schools integrating restorative justice into discipline [DurangoHerald.com]

Discipline in schools has followed that pattern for generations, but a new philosophy of restorative justice is taking hold at schools throughout Durango.

“When I was an assistant principal at Durango High School, I found it to be far more effective than more punitive measures,” said Cito Nuhn, principal of Miller Middle School, which is phasing in a restorative-justice model that will begin in the fall. “There are five key parts to restorative practice – respect, responsibility, relationships, repair and reintegration.”

The efforts differ within Durango School District 9-R. Elementary schools are working on mindfulness and helping students understand how they are feeling and how their actions impact others. Both middle schools and Durango High School have included elements of the practice in disciplinary actions, and Miller will serve as a pilot and lab for other schools to see how it works in full implementation.