WESS Behavioral Expectations

At WESS, it is our expectation that all members of our community—young people, staff, and families—center our core values of compassion, creativity, resilience, and wonder in all of their interactions. These values are not just words on a wall; they are the foundation of how we learn, connect, and grow together each day.

To ensure we have shared language and clear expectations for what these values look like in action, WESS will be using the Habits of Work (HoW) rubric. This tool will help us collectively foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive school culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

If a young person does not meet the expectations outlined in our Habits of Work (HoW) rubric, WESS will respond using restorative justice practices. Our goal is not to punish, but to help young people learn from their experiences, take responsibility, and repair any harm done to the community.

The ladder of referral shown below offers a menu of possible responses the Restorative Justice Team may consider, depending on the nature of the situation. These options are designed to be thoughtful, supportive, and responsive to the needs of both the individual and the broader community.

It’s important to remember that all behavioral responses at WESS are rooted in our commitment to growth and accountability. We aim to help young people reflect on their actions, reconnect with their values, and continue to develop as compassionate, creative, resilient, and curious members of our community.