Launched in 2013 at the request of Boston Public Schools to support chronically truant students at the McCormack Middle School, Trinity Boston Connects’ school-based work has evolved into the Circle Keepers program, a school-embedded restorative justice and student leadership initiative grounded in racial equity and trauma-informed practice. The Circle Keepers program currently operates at the Ruth Batson Academy.
Circle Keepers supports a school’s youth and staff through 1) Restorative Justice practices, utilizing peace corners, restorative justice circles, and trauma-informed training and coaching to improve student/student, student/staff, and staff/staff relationships; and 2) Coordinating a Village of Support, bringing together local resources to collectively meet the basic health needs of students and families at the school (dental and vision care, food, clothing, etc.).
Students consistently shared how meaningful Circle Keepers has been in shaping their school experience.
One student reflects, “[The environment] is still challenging, but because of Circles, everyone is kinder to one another.” This sentiment captures what many students expressed: that while external stressors and school constraints remain, restorative circles are shifting how they treat each other day to day.
At the close of the a school semester, both middle and high school students asked for more circles, with many expressing interest in helping to lead them.
Students have described Circle Keepers as “a space where people actually listen to you.” These voices affirm that restorative justice is not only reducing conflict, it is cultivating empathy, belonging, and shared responsibility across the school community.
Interested in bringing the Circle Keepers program to your school? Contact Aka
