Gertrude Walker Dolphins SplashCast

By the end of the school year, 80% of K–4 students will demonstrate typical to aggressive growth in both math and reading as measured by FastBridge assessments.

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At Gertrude Walker Elementary, we believe strong relationships are the foundation of learning and growth. Restorative practices are the way we build these relationships, address conflict, and help students take ownership of their actions in a positive and supportive way.

The 3 Tiers of Restorative Practices

1. Tier 1 – Building Community (Prevention)

   • Focuses on creating a safe, respectful classroom culture.

   • Teachers use morning meetings, classroom circles, and team-building activities so every student feels valued and connected.

2. Tier 2 – Responding to Harm (Early Intervention)

   • When problems or conflicts arise, staff guide students through conversations that help them understand how their choices affected others.

   • Students are encouraged to reflect, take responsibility, and find ways to repair harm.

3. Tier 3 – Repairing and Restoring (Intensive Support)

   • Used when conflicts are more serious or ongoing.

   • Students, staff, and sometimes families work together in restorative conferences to rebuild trust, create agreements, and strengthen relationships.

Why It Matters

• Foundational and Lasting Relationships: Students learn that every person belongs to our school community.

• Ownership of Mistakes: Instead of punishment alone, students learn accountability by recognizing their impact on others.

• Repairing Relationships: Students actively make things right—through apologies, problem-solving, or positive actions—so trust can grow stronger.

By practicing these skills every day, students develop empathy, responsibility, and the confidence to contribute to a positive school community.

W - Wise Decisions

A - Ambitious

V - Value Self and Others

E - Encourage

S - Self-Reliant

Your child can earn a WAVE slip every day if they are seen following our building-wide expectations. On Friday all those WAVES are sent to the office at the end of the day. We pull 2 WAVES from each class for students to come to the office for a prize.

Every day, your child has an opportunity to receive a positive referral. Positive referrals are for students making big WAVES. These referrals are recorded in Skyward. Each morning, during announcements, students who have received a positive referral are called down to the office and given the opportunity to call home to celebrate their positive referral.