Restorative Justice

Vision

To cultivate a district-wide culture where every student, family, and staff member experiences dignity, belonging, and healing through restorative practices—grounded in open communication, shared community, and collective accountability.

We envision KCPS as a place where relationships are prioritized, voices are honored, and restorative justice is not just a practice, but a way of being.

Mission

KCPS Restorative Justice & Recovery exists to build and sustain restorative school communities by:

• Communicating with Respect & Transparency We respond respectfully and within a timely manner, engage in honest dialogue with students, families, and staff, and foster trust through transparency and non-judgmental interactions.
• Strengthening Community Across the District We show up—for each other, for meetings, and for our students. We share resources, collaborate across schools, and celebrate the pride we take in our collective work.
• Modeling Accountability in Action We follow through on commitments, meet regularly to reflect and grow, and hold ourselves and each other accountable to the values we promote.

Together, we are building a restorative district where healing, connection, and justice are at the heart of every school.

Recovery Rooms at KCPS

The Recovery Room at Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) serves as a supportive space for students who exhibit inappropriate behaviors that do not necessitate out-of-school suspension. Its primary objective is to help students remain in an educational environment while addressing behavioral issues constructively.

The Recovery Room integrates four key models of in-school suspension: individual, therapeutic, academic, and consequential. Recognizing that some students may prefer not to be in class, the Recovery Room goes beyond punitive measures to provide a comprehensive approach. This environment enables students to:

• Identify the underlying reasons for their presence in the Recovery Room.
• Develop coping strategies and alternative behaviors to address their challenges.
• Engage in academic work to ensure continuity in their learning.

By balancing disciplinary actions with restorative support and academic engagement, the Recovery Room aims to foster personal growth and encourage positive behavioral change, all within a nurturing and structured setting.