Mansfield Public Schools
Safe School Climate Plan
Mansfield Public Schools is deeply committed to fostering a learning community where every student, staff member, and family feels physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe, supported, and valued. Our Safe School Climate Plan, aligned with State Law and the Board of Education’s Student Discipline Policy, reflects our belief that a positive climate is foundational to both student well-being and academic success.
As a district, we work each day to nurture welcoming, inclusive school environments where kindness, respect, and belonging are at the heart of our work. To ensure this vision is lived across all schools, Mansfield Public Schools engages in the following action strategies:
- Consistent implementation of the Connecticut School Climate Standards
- Districtwide use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework
- Ongoing review and strengthening of our Discipline Management Systems and Administrative Guidelines
- Intentional efforts to define, improve, and expand authentic family engagement as partners in student learning and well-being
Restorative Practices
“The Mansfield Board of Education (the “Board”) is committed to identifying strategies to improve school climate, including responding to challenging behavior and implementing evidence- and research-based interventions, including restorative practices.”
Restorative practices are a relationship-centered approach to building community and addressing conflict in schools. Mansfield Public Schools focus on building strong, respectful relationships and creating a supportive school community. Rather than relying solely on traditional discipline, this approach emphasizes open communication, shared problem-solving, and repairing harm when conflicts arise. Through proactive conversations, circles, and collaborative reflection, restorative practices help students develop empathy, take responsibility for their actions, and engage in positive, productive interactions with peers and staff.
For more information, please contact:
District Safe School Climate Coordinator
Shamim Patwa, PhD
Director of Student Support Services
Phone: (860) 429-3350
Email: patwas@mansfieldct.org
The District Climate Plan guides and supports each school’s individual Safe School Climate Plan. Below are Mansfield Public Schools’ Climate Specialists and links to the individual school climate plans:
| Mansfield Elementary School School Climate Specialist: Kate McCoy Email: mccoyk@mansfieldct.org | Mansfield Middle School School Climate Specialist: Larry Barlow |
Bullying Incident/Challenging Behavior Reporting Form
At Mansfield Public Schools, our approach to addressing student behavior always begins with restorative practices, in alignment with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-222jj regarding school climate.
When a student exhibits challenging behavior, our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff while supporting the student(s) in preventing future incidents and making amends for any harm caused.
Federal law protects the privacy of every student. For this reason, we are unable to share specific information about any student alleged to have engaged in challenging behavior and any potential student disciplinary outcomes.
This process does not modify or eliminate any rights or obligations under state or federal law, including constitutional and civil rights protections, or any applicable policies, procedures, or collective bargaining agreements. All students’ personal and private information will remain confidential, except where disclosure is permitted or required by law.