In the heart of the District of Columbia, multilingual learners and students with disabilities often face overlapping barriers to success—language access, cultural isolation, and disciplinary disparities. This project proposes the creation of 'Multilingual Peace Circles,' an innovative program that merges bilingual instruction (CLIL), social-emotional learning, and restorative justice practices to foster inclusion and engagement across DC Public Schools.

Through Peace Circles, students will explore empathy, kindness, and cooperation while building bilingual vocabulary and confidence. The initiative will take place in three diverse DCPS schools, selected to represent the linguistic and cultural diversity of the city. Each participating classroom will receive a bilingual 'Peace & Language Kit,' materials for restorative circles, and teacher training to implement inclusive bilingual lessons that promote peace and understanding.

By combining restorative justice and bilingual education, this project addresses multiple DC priorities: improving multilingual instruction, reducing disciplinary disparities, and promoting cultural inclusion. Results will include improved classroom climate, stronger family engagement, and a scalable toolkit that can be shared districtwide.