BELFAST— This fall, the University of Maine Hutchinson Center will offer a series of six daylong workshops on restorative school practices for K-12 educators. Members of the Restorative Practices Collaborative of Maine will facilitate the workshops that will be held in Saco, Augusta and Belfast.

The restorative approach emphasizes the importance of creating a positive, healthy school climate based on empathy, trust and respect. Research shows that students who are connected to school, peers and teachers in a safe, welcoming environment show academic and social improvement. Restorative practices are currently used in several Maine schools, juvenile correction facilities and youth-serving organizations.

Workshops and locations in the series:
• "Understanding Restorative Practices" (Oct. 20, Augusta)
• "Engaging Young People with Special Needs in Restorative Practices" (Nov. 2, Saco and Nov. 16, Belfast)
• "Restorative Circle Practice" (Nov. 3, Augusta)
• "Engagement, Discipline, Attendance and Academics Through Restorative
Practices" (Dec. 5, Saco)
• "Restorative Practice Whole School Plan: Exploring Change, Implementation and Sustainability" (Dec. 7, Saco); teams of five are preferred.

Workshops will be held at the UMaine Hutchinson Center in Belfast, Klahr Center at the University of Maine at Augusta and People's Choice Credit Union in Saco.
All workshops are held 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Cost is $175 per person per workshop, which includes materials, lunch and certificate of contact hours.

For more information, contact Diana McSorley, 338.8093, diana.mcsorley@maine.edu Register online: hutchinsoncenter.umaine.edu/professional-development