Services Offered
Explore the full range of restorative, community-building, and professional learning services offered by the NICE team. Each service is designed to strengthen school culture, promote nonviolence, and support students, staff, and families through a restorative lens.
Community Building Circles
These circles align with SEL benchmarks and pair discussion/storytelling questions with activities.
Talking Circles
Young Men Circles
Young Women Circles
Subject‑specific and after‑school circles
Professional Development
School‑specific staff training sessions cover topics such as:
Restorative practice training and circle keeping
Mediation training
Peer‑mediation training
De‑escalation techniques
Conflict Resolution
Promoting mediation and providing tools to resolve conflict:
Mediation and peer mediation (peer mediation is provided when administrators request
student peer support for student conflicts)
Re‑entry support for students returning after suspension or absence
The team assists schools in creating policies and protocols that incorporate restorative practices, especially regarding discipline. This includes suggesting alternatives to traditional punitive
measures like detention, suspension and expulsion.
Building Protocols
1-to-1 Restorative Support
The restorative team helps de‑escalate conflict situations and offers restorative conversations. Administrators and students can request support in deciding how to move forward and planning
for safety. The team also collaborates with school staff to foster a culture of support and understanding tailored to class‑specific needs.
Proactive Restorative Practices Modeling
Conducting SEL check‑ins in class, greeting students in the morning and using restorative language throughout the day.
Holding re‑entry meetings/circles to support individuals returning after suspension or long absences. These circles include loved ones and community members to address harm and develop a safety plan. Re‑entry circles aim to reduce recidivism, strengthen safety and promote healing and accountability.