Sue Pfeil Mathematics specialist, RIDE; former middle school assistant principal, Westerly,  Sue Pfeil is the assistant vice principal at the Babcock Middle School in Westerly, Rhode Island. Students are often referred to her office for disciplinary purposes. Mrs. Pfeil practices restitution discipline with her students because she recognizes the long term benefits of guiding a student to understand the effect of his or her actions on others and all the consequences that flow from inappropriate behavior.

She seeks alternatives to suspension wherever possible so that a student is not deprived of the opportunity to learn. In addition, she consciously finds ways to personalize the school experience for all the students so that they really want to be in school.

For example, when confronted with a bullying problem, Mrs. Pfeil brought the two students together and mediated a discussion in which the bullied student was able to articulate how he felt and the bullier recognized how hurtful his behavior was. She allowed the two students to formulate a restitution plan that had measurable outcomes (no teasing and having lunch together) and clear consequences (detention if the bullying continued). By allowing the students to problem-solve collaboratively, both learned lessons in compromise and community building.

“It is important to remember that the root of the word ‘discipline’ is ‘to learn’.”

Mrs. Pfeil was also instrumental in developing the “August Connection” at the Babcock Middle School. The program consists of school administrators making personal phone calls in August to the parents of all incoming sixth graders. During these calls, the administrators extend a welcome to the new students and their parents and assure parents that the administration team is working to ensure a positive middle school experience for their children. As a result of this simple gesture, parents feel more comfortable calling the school with questions or concerns as the year progresses and students feel a supportive connection to the administration team.

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can
become great.”
- Mark Twain