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Teaching Awareness and Compassion

At RFMA, restoration and repair are central to maintaining strong relationships and fostering a close-knit community. Our restorative practices framework blends ancestral, community-based knowledge with academic, data-driven insights to create a structure that is both dynamic and flexible while remaining rooted in our values. Above all, we affirm the inherent humanity and unique value each individual brings to our community. At the same time, we hold ourselves and each other to high standards of behavior and accountability.

We recognize that conflict is inevitable and that mistakes will happen. Our philosophy focuses on how we respond to these situations and how we proactively create environments that minimize the likelihood of significant harm.

To support restorative practices, RFMA has several systems in place:

• Student Support: A dedicated student support team addresses needs ranging from behavioral concerns to family challenges and access to essential resources like food, clothing, and basic goods. When issues arise, our first step is to understand the root causes of behaviors and address those underlying needs.

• Harm Repair and Mediation: Acknowledging the impact of harm on others is essential. To address this, we offer mediation and guided harm repair at every level of our community: student-to-student, staff-to-student, staff-to-staff, staff-to-family, and family-to-family. Accountability is key in these processes. We work proactively to address harm, involve all parties in the healing process, and establish clear, communal action steps to ensure accountability and resolution.

• Staff Support and Development: We provide consistent professional development for staff to enhance their comfort and competence with restorative practices. Weekly one-on-one check-ins with the Dean of Culture offer additional opportunities for staff to discuss ideas, seek guidance, and prioritize their own wellness.



Together, these practices form a holistic approach to relationship building and conflict resolution at RFMA. By acknowledging the complexities of the challenges we face and maintaining high expectations for all members of our community, we foster an environment where everyone can thrive.