The Restorative Justice (RJ) work taking place at South Hill Elementary is grounded in five key pedagogical stances: History Matters, Race Matters, Justice Matters, Language Matters, and Futures Matter. These stances not only guide the work of Ithaca High School (IHS) RJ student leaders but also shape how they help 4th- and 5th-grade students listen, reflect, and engage with one another in restorative circles.
History Matters invites students to listen to each other’s stories. IHS RJ leaders encourage younger students to think about questions like: What has this person experienced? What might I not know about their story? This helps students build empathy and understand that everyone’s actions are connected to their lived experiences.
Race Matters supports students in listening for identity and fairness. In developmentally appropriate ways, students are guided to consider: How might someone’s identity shape their experience? Are people being treated fairly? This stance helps students begin to recognize and respect differences while building inclusive communities.
Justice Matters focuses on listening for harm and healing. Students are encouraged to ask: Who was affected? How can we make things right? RJ leaders model that justice is about repairing relationships, not punishment, and that everyone has a role in restoring trust.
Language Matters teaches students to listen for both words and impact. Younger students reflect on: How did those words make someone feel? What was the intention? They also practice using language that is respectful, clear, and supportive, strengthening communication skills across the community.
Futures Matter encourages students to listen for growth and possibility. Questions like: What can we learn from this? How can we move forward? help students focus on making better choices and building stronger relationships in the future.
By framing listening through these five stances, IHS RJ student leaders are helping 4th- and 5th-graders develop deeper awareness, empathy, and responsibility. This approach strengthens restorative circles and equips students with lifelong skills for building respectful, inclusive, and caring communities.
Lessons Delivered by IHS Student Leaders: