Peace Circle Facilitator Toolkit
Restorative Justice Practices • Tier 2/3 Protocol
Cohort Mediation & Circle Intake
Stage 01: Pre-Circle
Date of Circle
Cohort / Grade / Period
Lead Mediator
Co-Facilitator / Adult Ally
1. Cohort Conflict Diagnosis & Root Needs
Select primary conflict drivers observed across the peer group:
Digital / Group Chat Friction Rumor Mill / Broken Trust Exclusion / Cliques Escalated Classroom Banter Team / Group Project Dispute Disrespect to Cohort Space
Brief Summary of the Incident / Dynamic affecting the group:
2. Participants & Community Stakeholders
Direct Parties / Core Voices (3-6 names):
Impacted Cohort Witnesses / Allies (3-6 names):
3. Circle Keeper Pre-Flight Readiness
Physical seating set in a clear circle (no desks/barriers) Dedicated talking piece selected (meaningful object) All core participants agree to voluntary participation Ground rules poster visible and centered in the space
Designated Talking Piece:
Target Duration: 30 – 45 mins
Peer Mediator Toolkit • Form RJ-101 Confidential Educational Record • For Restorative Use Only Page 1 of 4
Verbatim Facilitation Script
Restorative Circle Protocol
Stage 02: Active Circle
The Circle Keeper reads aloud the boxed prompts. Maintain a steady, non-judgmental tone. Only the speaker holding the talking piece may speak.
Phase 1: Welcome & Community Norms (3-5 min) Opening Round
“Welcome to our community circle. We are here today because we value our cohort and want our shared space to be safe, supportive, and fair for everyone. Our agreements: 1) Respect the talking piece, 2) Speak from the heart with 'I' statements, 3) Listen with curiosity, not defensiveness, and 4) Maintain circle confidentiality.”
Check-in Prompt: “In 1-2 words, share how you are arriving into this circle right now.”
Phase 2: What Happened & Perspectives (10-12 min) Storytelling Round
“We will now pass the talking piece around. Focus on your own lived experience rather than blaming or accusing others. What happened from your vantage point? What were you feeling and thinking at that moment?”
Facilitator Probe: “What was the hardest part of this situation for you personally?”
Phase 3: Impact & Community Ripples (8-10 min) Empathy Round
“When tension happens in our cohort, everyone feels the impact—even those not directly in the argument. Who has been affected by what happened, and how has this changed the feeling or focus in our class?”
Facilitator Probe: “What harm was done to our community trust or learning environment?”
Phase 4: Needs & Repair Brainstorm (10-12 min) Problem-Solving Round
“Restorative justice is about putting things right. What do you need right now to feel safe, respected, and heard? What concrete actions can each of us take to repair the harm and prevent this from reoccurring?”
Action Transition: Record all actionable ideas onto the Cohort Agreement Contract (Page 3).
Phase 5: Closing & Consensus Check (3-5 min) Closing Round
“Thank you for showing courage and honesty today. We have crafted commitments together. As the talking piece makes its final circle, share one commitment you are making to our cohort moving forward.”
De-escalation Interruption Script:
“Let's pause. We are here to repair, not attack. Take a breath, and pass the talking piece back to center.”
Peer Mediator Toolkit • Script RJ-102 Circle Facilitation Guidelines Page 2 of 4
Collaborative Resolution
Cohort Restorative Agreement
Stage 03: Commitment
This binding agreement documents the mutually agreed repair actions established during our restorative circle. All parties commit to upholding these standards.
SPECIFIC REPAIR ACTIONS & COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable)
| Action / Behavior Commitment | Responsible Party | Target Date |
|---|
| 1. Direct Apology & Impact Acknowledgment | | |
| 2. Boundary Agreement (Digital & Classroom) | | |
| 3. Positive Cohort Contribution / Restorative Task | | |
| 4. Group Norm / Workspace Environment Reset | | |
Core Cohort Reset Principles (Agreed Standards):
Cease passive-aggressive posts & gossip Respect physical workspace & learning time Request mediator check-in before escalating Reintegrate all members with a clean slate
11 Cohort Participant Signatures of Commitment
I commit to upholding all restorative actions agreed upon today
01
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
07
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
02
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
08
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
03
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
09
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
04
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
10
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
05
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
11
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
06
Participant Printed Name / Signature
Date
Cohort Witness / Alternate Signature (Optional)
Date
Lead Peer Mediator Date
Teacher / Facilitator 1 Date
Teacher / Facilitator 2 Date
Peer Mediator Toolkit • Contract RJ-103 11-Participant Cohort Resolution Contract Page 3 of 4
Post-Mediation Assessment & Growth
Debrief & 7-Day Follow-Up
Stage 04: Accountability
Completed by the Peer Mediation team immediately after circle dismissal, with a follow-up review 7 days later.
1. Immediate Circle Debrief & Climate Check
Circle Engagement
Low Moderate High
Honesty & Vulnerability
Guarded Open Deep
Agreement Viability
Fragile Stable Strong
Mediator Observations (Body language shifts, breakthroughs, residual tension):
2. Seven-Day Follow-Up Verification Check
Follow-Up Date:
| Agreement Item Checked | Status | Sign-Off |
|---|
| Direct apologies & repair actions fulfilled | Complete • In-Progress • Stalled | |
| No recurring group chats / hostile digital posts | Complete • In-Progress • Stalled | |
| Classroom atmosphere restored to safe baseline | Complete • In-Progress • Stalled | |
Next Steps / Additional Circle Needed?
Mediator Reflection & Skill Development
What facilitation strategy worked best during this cohort mediation? What will you refine for your next restorative circle?
Peer Mediator Toolkit • Debrief RJ-104 Restorative Practices Program Evaluation Page 4 of 4
