EMCSD Introduces Restorative Practices
El Monte City School District (EMCSD) is excited to announce its new partnership with The Western Justice Center (WJC) to continue fostering community and relationships in their schools. The collaboration introduces restorative practices designed to restore relationships among students, giving them tools to build bonds and conflict resolution.
EMCSD is the third district-wide partnership for WJC, which includes Azusa and Pasadena Unified, further recognizing the value restorative practices bring to school communities. “Introducing restorative practices into our schools has been an intentional process that our teams have been working towards for the past few years,” shared Dr. Teresa Pinedo, EMCSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. “All 14 of our campuses have school counselors who have implemented restorative practices in their work. After seeing their success in connecting students and strengthening relationships, we wanted to expand these tools to include entire school communities.”
During the summer, EMCSD held a 3-day professional development workshop bringing together over 80 school administrators, teachers, and support staff to learn the ins and outs of restorative practice to bring back to their schools. “Our primary goal is to foster a stronger community among our students and staff. We aim to provide safe spaces for everyone on our campuses, where relationships are nurtured and conflicts are resolved through restorative practices,” explained Dr. Pinedo.
During the workshops, EMCSD team members participated in different forms of restorative practices like community circles, an exercise that prioritizes interconnectedness, strengthens individual socio-emotional skills among students, and builds participant trust. These circles were introduced as part of EMCSD’s First 5-Day Plan to begin the school year. The First 5-Day plan debuted last school year so students and staff can build healthy relationships through various discussions and activities.
“We’re thrilled to begin this 5-year partnership with El Monte City School District, bringing restorative practices to all 14 campuses,” said Western Justice Center Executive Director Elissa Barrett. “Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Teresa Pinedo have been passionate advocates for fostering connected, supportive school environments. This collaboration is essential for creating systemic change across the district,” continued Barrett. Restorative justice practices will build a deeper connection in understanding differences for students alongside developing a lifelong skill of empathy. “With long-term support from WJC, EMCSD will build the capacity and infrastructure to sustain youth, educators and administrators’ ability to embrace their differences and manage conflict peacefully. Together, we’re empowering students, building trust, reducing conflict and creating safer, more vibrant school communities.”
Superintendent Dr. Maribel Garcia is excited about the potential of restorative practices in EMCSD schools, “Community is at the heart of everything we do at El Monte City School District. As a former student and current resident, I know the power positive and collaborative relationships play in the success of our students, staff, and families. Our partnership with Western Justice aims to ensure that our schools continue to be safe spaces for our students and staff where they can learn about one another and grow together as scholars and professionals. By introducing restorative justice practices into our campuses, we will connect our kids through their similarities while developing a deeper appreciation for our differences. It is about all of us working together to uplift each other, and I am truly excited to witness and be part of the work that lies ahead.”
