School Climate

Northwestern Regional School District No. 7 is committed to supporting student success academically, socially, emotionally, ethically, and civically in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential to helping students regulate emotions, build relationships, and access learning more effectively.

The district promotes restorative practices to foster equity, accountability, and a positive school climate. These practices focus on:

1. Relationship Building – Creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school culture.
    
2. Accountability – Holding students responsible for behavior while promoting growth.
    
3. Community Safety – Ensuring all students contribute to repairing harm.
    
4. Competency Development – Building social-emotional skills and addressing root causes of behavior.
    

Challenging Behavior is defined as actions that disrupt learning or safety. The district emphasizes interventions that avoid removing students from their learning environment unless absolutely necessary. Responses should be fair, age-appropriate, and restorative in nature, helping students learn from mistakes and re-engage with the school community.

The district uses a three-tiered restorative approach:

• Tier 1 (Prevention): Build community and strong relationships.
   
• Tier 2 (Intervention): Use restorative methods like mediation and harm circles.
   
• Tier 3 (Re-Integration): Provide personalized support after suspensions or other absences.
   

To report challenging or bullying behavior, a formal reporting form is available. Once submitted, the principal will confirm receipt within three days, conduct an investigation, and share appropriate next steps while maintaining confidentiality under FERPA.

Challenging Behavior/ Bullying Reporting Form

Challenging Behavior Prevention- Restorative Practices Response Policy 5144.12

CT School Climate Policy 5131.911