On any given morning at Lowe’s Grove Middle School in Durham, NC, you’ll find Restorative Practices Coordinator D’Ontay Johnson doing quiet, intentional work that’s changing the culture of the building. Before first bell, he checks his email, centers himself for the day, and then spends nearly two hours moving classroom to classroom offering quick check-ins, encouragement, and support to students and teachers.

“I’ve always wanted to encourage and push students to make the right choice,” he shared. With a background in elementary education, he initially hesitated when he was asked to shift from an in-school suspension mindset to a restorative one. “Once I did my research and was able to gain a little bit more knowledge on the topic, I felt like this was something I could see myself doing.”

Having experienced traditional ISS, he’s clear about the difference between that model and the Restorative Practices Center (RPC).

“In-school suspension kind of pushes more of a punitive, punishment type of mindset. A lot of shame is pushed towards students,” he explained. “With the restorative role, it’s more of an uplift. You’re letting the students know it’s okay to make a mistake. It’s not the end of the world, learn from your mistakes and grow, and not just live in shame.”

Now in his third year in the role, Mr. Johnson has intentionally redesigned how support looks. Instead of isolating students in a separate room, he uses the media center as a calm, shared space. “My biggest thing is to keep students from feeling isolated. I want them to see the social, everything that’s going on.”

His daily classroom visits have strengthened adult relationships as well. “A simple ‘Good morning, how are you?’ goes a long way,” he said. “It’s helped my relationships with teachers on each grade level.”

One of his favorite success stories is a group of three eighth-grade girls he’s known since they were sixth graders, once playful, unfocused, and frequent visitors to RPC. Now, they’re leaders on the basketball team, with two on the A/B honor roll. “It’s night and day,” he said proudly. “They understand that if Mr. Johnson is getting on them, it’s because I want to see them grow and win.”

Training with Peaceful Schools NC reinforced what he already believed: relationships are the foundation. “Relationships is the key to a lot of what we do,” he reflected. “Every relationship is not going to be the best, but understanding how to read that energy and read the room is huge.”

His restorative work is especially intentional with African-American boys. He pushes adults to shift assumptions and offer grace: “Help those young men feel comfortable enough to express themselves. It’s okay to be upset. What matters is your response after.”

When asked what keeps him showing up, his answer is simple: “The relationships, the love, the uplift. These kids don’t know it, but they keep me coming back the hugs, the handshakes, the letters. Just knowing someone looks at me as a positive role model motivates me.” 

This spotlight features the restorative work happening at Lowe’s Grove Middle School in Durham, NC, part of Durham Public Schools. Peaceful Schools NC extend appreciation to Principal Dr. Letisha Judd Manning for her leadership and partnership.