PEACE

  • MISSION

    The PEACE Center program provides a research-based model to implement a holistic approach that is restorative, non-punitive and meets the students' needs. We encourage positive attitudes resulting in students' development of self-love, self-regulation, and self-respect.

    VISION

    To provide students the socioemotional, academic, behavioral, and vocational skills necessary to increase their attendance, earn a high school diploma, enroll in higher education or a vocational program, obtain gainful employment, or enlist in military service. 

    PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The PEACE Center is the alternative education placement program for Thornton Township District 205 high school students. The program is designed to implement best prac-tices and interventions that support our core values:

    • Attentive, empathetic staff
    • All students will learn
    • Increase capacity for resilience
    • Loyalty
    • Unconditional love

    PROGRAM COMPONENTS

    Restorative Justice
    Restorative justice is a value based approach that uses peace circles to provide a safe space free of hierarchy where both students’ and staff members’ voices can be heard.

    Adverse Childhood Experiences
    All employees of the PEACE Center are trained in recognizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The goal of this training is to educate staff members on the effect Adverse Childhood Experiences have on the behavior and cognitive development of PEACE Center students.

    Behavior Management Services
    Throughout the day, students can earn points for appropriate school behaviors as well as for demonstrating progress in their specific goal areas. The goal is to help students think through their choices, discuss how their feeling and follow their individualized comprehensive plan to ex-perience success in the classroom.

    Social Work Services
    Social work services are available to all students who are experiencing behavioral, social, and/or emotional difficulties which are adversely impacting their ability to function within their educational setting.

    Counseling Services
    Counseling services are an important part of the program at The PEACE Center. The counseling team is always available to work with individual students. The significance and nature of our students’ problems mandate that every aspect of their school life be designed and manipulated to encourage and offer healthy growth. 

    PEACE CENTER GOALS

    1. Create a safe space for all students, parents, staff and community stakeholders by integrating the use of restorative practices and peace circles in every aspect of the school day.
    2. Address and develop the socioemotional needs of students in a therapeutic setting by building positive relationships and addressing student barriers.
    3. Enhance core academic skills utilizing research based practices.
    4. Impart occupational life skills to become productive members of society.