At a small, public charter high school in Milwaukee, students practice circle keeping. The restorative justice tool gives students ownership over their own healing process.
A lot of the students at The Alliance School have been affected by gun violence and this tool has been making a difference.
English teacher Heather Sattler is the one who introduced circle keeping to the school. When it comes to applying the method, Sattler is relentless. She uses it to coax discussion in English class, to resolve conflicts between students and to support students who are struggling with internal conflict.
"I think one of the things that is really critical is to always ask people what they need and sometimes what’s needed most is just to be sad, be angry, to feel and just have someone witness that process," she says. "I’ve seen so many young people transform over time."
Like junior Jade Bolden. Bolden admits, she used to be the bully. "I was that kid [people] didn't have patience for," she says.
Now, Bolden can explain herself and sort through her emotions. She says the circle does help. "Just knowing that I'm not along when I go through certain things," she says. "I feel more put together, I understand myself a lot more."
Corresponding Content:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Circle-keeping program provides support for students
