Promoting Justice, Respect, and Peace: Our School's Commitment to a Positive Environment

By Talia Riem, SDS K-8 School Counselor and Britney Dedmon, SAA K-8 School Counselor

At St. Agnes Academy - St. Dominic School, we believe in fostering an environment where every member of our community feels seen, valued, and respected. Our Justice, Respect, and Peace (JRP) program lies at the heart of this commitment, guiding us in creating a culture of kindness, mutual respect, and fellowship.

Since its inception in 2015, JRP has been instrumental in shaping our school's environment. Rooted in the principles of justice, respect, and peace, this program serves as a proactive guide to prevent unkind behavior, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. We firmly believe that by instilling these values in our students and faculty, we can cultivate a positive school culture where everyone can thrive.

Our commitment to JRP goes beyond just addressing negative behaviors. It's a holistic approach that empowers our students to learn from their mistakes and grow into compassionate, responsible individuals. We integrate JRP into various aspects of school life, including our counseling programs focused on social-emotional learning (SEL), events like Kindness Week, and our Virtues in Practice curriculum, created by our Dominican Sisters and facilitated on our campus by the religion department.

At the core of our JRP program lies a restorative approach that transcends mere disciplinary measures. We understand that mistakes are inevitable, but it's how we address and learn from them that truly matters. Instead of punitive actions, our counselors and deans utilize restorative practices to facilitate meaningful dialogues and reflections between parties involved. By focusing on repairing and strengthening relationships through empathy, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving, we equip our students with essential life skills that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. This restorative framework ensures that our JRP program not only addresses conflicts but also fosters a culture of understanding, growth, and reconciliation within our school community.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, we remain steadfast in our dedication to promoting justice, respect, and peace at SAA-SDS. Together, we can nurture a community where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a positive difference.

Thank you for your ongoing support in upholding these essential values. We feel JRP is an evolving program and not something that stays stagnant in time. Therefore, we invite your feedback on the program and how it could be improved. Your voice and suggestions matter. 

Attached below is a recording of our parent information session on JRP with more in-depth information and conversation on how we implement the program in our school community. Please watch– we hope you find it helpful.

Justice, Respect, and Peace Recording.mp4