The City Springs Elementary / Middle School (CS) 8th grade joined their peers at Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) on October 3, 2025, for an HHA Leaders Go Places (LGP) meeting in HHA’s Newstead Gym to view the new short documentary, “Restorative Practices Make Strong 
Schools.” The film, which was produced and funded through Voices for Restorative Schools, features CS and HHA students and teachers, and the impact of Restorative Practices.
LGP began 13 years ago at HHA as an incentive-based program to encourage and empower 6th through 8th graders to focus on academics, personal development, and positive peer interactions. At each LGP gathering, students recite My Five Promises, the program’s founding ideals that embrace the values and goals of Restorative Practices:
LGP’s My Five Promises:
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- I will contribute to the common good.
- I will persevere.
- I will produce quality work.
- I will conduct myself with honor and integrity.
- I will advocate for myself and others.
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Read Mr. Cobb’s BCP blog post about the impact of LGP.
After watching the documentary, students discussed it with the person next to them, guided by discussion questions. Following this, Matt Cobb, HHA’s LGP Director, led the group in a circle to share the small-group insights from the film. Mr. Cobb used the format he created for each LGP circle: Mr. Cobb calls on a student, throws (gently) the soft microphone block, the student shares, and returns the block to Mr. Cobb.
During their LGP circle, the CS and HHA students offered their perspective on the film. Each LGP circle also includes an apologies and acknowledgments segment to underscore student accountability, agency, and inclusivity.
“It was powerful to see our students from both school communities recognize themselves and their peers in the film, not just as participants, but as changemakers for our greater good,” Mr. Cobb reflects. “Restorative practices and our LGP Five Promises come alive when students see that their voices and their relationships are what make our schools strong.”