2008 Grant Proposal Details

Peer Mediation   Adams Elementary

Total: $500

Description:  Provide additional support to the peer mediation program to allow for coverage over a greater number of hours. Currently, three parent volunteers hold weekly meetings with peer mediators to provide ongoing training, administer the program, and discuss issues that arise. Student mediators are on duty in pairs during recess at least once a week, and available to teachers and staff to facilitate mediations on an as needed basis. All mediators are in 4th or 5th grade. An extensive application process is required, as well as two full days of training. Peer mediation training uses the Community Boards curriculum for a Conflict Manager Program, as well as additional materials. Students are taught to facilitate constructive problem solving among peers, family members, and friends. Mediation skills such as active listening, paraphrasing, diffusing conflict, and facilitation of effective communication between parties are utilized.

Why is this important?  Our world has become increasingly violent. Media as well as events across nations have glorified or (worse) made conflict seem inevitable. We truly are educating the citizens of tomorrow. Students learn skills of teamwork, listening, neutrality, brainstorming and finding agreements. Mediators strive to create a safe environment for exploring the conflict and for parties in the dispute to explore, select, evaluate and implement solutions. Students provide a peer mediation tip of the week for getting along with others over our intercom so all students can practice nonviolent communication. These children are the hope for our world.

Who will be served?  All 200 students in the school, in addition to teachers and staff, will have peer mediators available to them to assist in solving conflicts or issues. Weekly peer mediation tips benefit every child.

How will this be evaluated?  We will use an end of the year survey of teachers, the peer mediators themselves, and behavior data from office referrals.

Does this build on existing programs?  The peer mediation program at Adams started in the 2007-08 school year. It has been embraced by staff and students, and made a very positive difference in climate. The volunteer parent coordinators found that having someone designated to be on site would be a valuable addition to the program and its development.

Budget:  We have in-kind funding from the efforts of three parents who spend countless hours each year making sure our program works to a high standard. We are requesting 41.6 hours, at $12 per hour to have an additional person available to assist with scheduling and on site management when our parents are not available.

Proposal #:  2