Bridge Back Cards
Protocol Deck Reentry & Repair Series
Bridge Back Cards
Set 1: Foundational Dialogue Cards 01–04 • Cut along dashed borders
Facilitator Stance: Welcome back first • Separate worth from behavior • Repair over punishment
Printable Sheet
1 Phase 1 • Arrival
Welcome & Grounding
Focus: Establish psychological safety and reaffirm belonging.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "Welcome back. We're glad you're here. How are you feeling in your body right now?"
- • "Before we talk about what happened, what do you need right now to feel grounded?"
- • "On a scale of 1–5, how is your energy walking back into school today?"
Student Sentence Starters
"Right now, walking back in, I feel..."
"One thing weighing on my mind today is..."
Tip: Validate feelings before seeking explanations. Card #01
2 Phase 2 • The Story
Unpacking The Moment
Focus: Understand the buildup and triggers without defensiveness.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "What was happening right before things boiled over? What was the tipping point?"
- • "What thoughts were running through your head at that exact moment?"
- • "What were you needing or trying to communicate that wasn't being heard?"
Student Sentence Starters
"Things started to go sideways when..."
"What I was really frustrated about was..."
Tip: Ask "What happened?" instead of "Why did you do that?" Card #02
3 Phase 3 • Ripples
Mapping The Impact
Focus: Build empathy and reflect on who was affected and how.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "Who has been affected by what happened? How do you think they felt?"
- • "How did this incident impact you and your own goals here at school?"
- • "What has been the hardest part for you since this happened?"
Student Sentence Starters
"I realize this may have caused [person] to feel..."
"The hardest consequence for me has been..."
Tip: Include the student themselves when naming who was hurt. Card #03
4 Phase 4 • Making Right
Designing The Repair
Focus: Co-create authentic actions to rebuild trust and repair harm.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "What needs to happen now to make things as right as possible?"
- • "What action can you take that feels genuine—not just an empty 'sorry'?"
- • "What can the adults or peers do to support this repair?"
Student Sentence Starters
"To help make things right, I am willing to..."
"A realistic way I can rebuild trust is..."
Tip: Meaningful restitution is voluntary and proportional. Card #04
Reentry & Repair Restorative Framework • Sheet 1 of 2 Recommended: Print on 65lb+ cardstock and cut along perimeter lines
Protocol Deck Reentry & Repair Series
Bridge Back Cards
Set 2: Reintegration & Reset Cards 05–08 • Cut along dashed borders
Reentry Stance: Clear exit signals • Teacher-student alignment • Dignified clean slate
Printable Sheet
5 Phase 5 • Stepping In
Classroom Walk-In Plan
Focus: Relieve anxiety around returning and script the first five minutes.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "What is your biggest worry or hesitation about stepping back into class?"
- • "How would you like your return to look (e.g., quiet seat, door greeting)?"
- • "If a peer asks where you were, what simple line do you want to use?"
Student Sentence Starters
"When I walk in, it would help me most if..."
"If peers ask questions, I plan to say..."
Tip: Protect the student from unwanted spotlight during entry. Card #05
6 Phase 6 • Signals
Early Warning & Reset
Focus: Agree on proactive reset cues before frustration escalates.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "What does your body feel like right before you lose control or shut down?"
- • "What discreet signal can you give when you need a 2-minute reset?"
- • "Where is your designated calm-down space or trusted adult?"
Student Sentence Starters
"I know my stress is rising when my..."
"My agreed discreet signal will be..."
Tip: Pre-agree on an escape hatch before triggers arise. Card #06
7 Phase 7 • Teacher Bridge
Educator Alignment
Focus: Facilitate mutual reconciliation between teacher and student.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "What is one thing you need your teacher to understand about you right now?"
- • "Teacher question: What positive strength do you appreciate in this student?"
- • "What commitment can both of you make to start completely fresh?"
Shared Bridge Commitments
"Student: I commit to speaking with you privately if..."
"Teacher: I commit to greeting you with warmth and..."
Tip: Conduct this 2-minute bridge in private before class begins. Card #07
8 Phase 8 • Fresh Slate
The Clean Slate Pact
Focus: Affirm dignity, seal mutual agreements, and close the past chapter.
Restorative Inquiries
- • "This event does not define who you are. What strength do you bring today?"
- • "Who is your anchor person you will check in with at the end of the day?"
- • "Are we agreed that the slate is clean and you have our full backing?"
Closing Affirmation
"Today is a fresh chapter. I will focus on..."
"My main goal for the remainder of today is..."
Tip: Seal the reset with a handshake, fist bump, or affirmation. Card #08
Reentry & Repair Restorative Framework • Sheet 2 of 2 Store cut cards on a binder ring or pocket pouch for quick hallway/office access