Commitment to Justice

Restorative Justice

Kazoo School uses this model to mediate conflicts. We believe that by giving students the opportunity to express their truths and restore peace, they will become more empathetic citizens who are proactive in their interactions with others. The Kazoo School staff also uses this model to ensure open communication in the workplace.

More information about the Restorative Justice model

Social Justice

Kazoo School offers students developmentally appropriate opportunities to learn more about the perspectives of others, particularly those from marginalized communities. This means that we do not shy away from discussing topics just because they are difficult, and we ask students to think critically about their own experiences and the experiences of others.

Anti-Racism Team

Kazoo School has developed an Anti-Racism Team. All members of the Kazoo Anti-Racism Team have participated in Eliminating Racism and Creating/Celebrating Equity’s (ERACCE) 2.5 day Understanding & Analyzing Systemic Racism Workshop. The team is tasked with supporting the school community as it lives into its mission and values, specifically as it relates to anti-racism. The members of the team connect Kazoo staff with ERACCE trainings, offer support for teachers to create culturally rich and responsive curriculum, identify and assess systemic and community needs and seek out resources to meet those needs, while continuing their own identity development.

One product of the Anti-Racism Team is the development of a book list. The book list offers experiences and histories of people of color and other marginalized identities appropriate for students PK-8th grade. We know that people do not exist as just one part of their identity, so the team used an intersectional lens when creating the list. The list also includes links to the Kalamazoo Public Library database where users can see in real time if a book is available at one of their branches. If you have a book that you would like to suggest for addition to the list, please email info@kazooschool.org.   

Our Whole Lives

Kazoo School uses the Our Whole Lives curriculum. Our Whole Lives is a sexuality education program that “models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It is holistic, and addresses the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and the world. The program recognizes and respects the diversity of participants with respect to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability status. The activities and language used throughout the program have been carefully chosen to be as inclusive as possible of this human diversity.” (Our Whole Lives facilitator curriculum) Learn more here.