In partnership with the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF), Morrisville Middle/Senior High School will implement a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum in February 2023, which focuses upon restorative justice practices.  With a mission to “create safer schools and communities through educating and inspiring children in the restorative principles of accountability, compassion, forgiveness, and peacemaking”, we are confident that TKF will best prepare our students to manage interpersonal conflicts.  Restorative justice principles seek to assist individuals to recognize the impact of their decisions upon others, and the resulting consequences.  The process focuses upon the individuals who have been harmed, and the harm that they have endured.  Victims are provided with the opportunity to express their feelings and experiences with an individual who has offended them, to help in the healing and restoration process. 

The Tariq Khamisa Foundation works to assist school community members to develop a common language and establish desired behavioral expectations for all.  They employ professional development and support to our school personnel to assist students in preventing conflicts, reach resolutions without resulting in violence, repair relationships, and increase kindness towards one another.  This mission is accomplished by teaching students to conduct themselves with integrity, utilize compassionate confrontation in a context of peace and respect, and the seek and provide forgiveness to others.    

At the beginning of February, all students in grades 6 - 12 will attend a Peacemaker Assembly that outlines the story of Tariq Khamisa's life.  Students will be introduced to the restorative principles of accountability, compassion, forgiveness, and peacemaking.  Following the assembly, students in grades 6, 7, and 9 will engage in a ten-session educational series geared towards developing social skills, sound reasoning abilities, and collaborative behaviors.  Upon conclusion of the ten sessions students will be able to better manage their emotions, show accountability for their actions, make amends with others, and practice compassion and forgiveness.