Elementary

Definition of Services

Peaceful People
A classroom based character education and conflict resolution program, appropriate for grades K-8. Students are engaged in activities and discussions that seek to build social competence and resilience traits. The program is developed around the core social skills of: Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Control (C.A.R.E.S.). These skills are introduced and reinforced during 45 minute lessons that focus on the issues and behaviors faced in the school community.

Mediation and Peer Mediation
Mediation is a structured communication process encourages students to identify the root cause of a problem and to develop a plan to resolve the issues in a mutually acceptable manor. Peer Mediation training engages students as mediators, trained to facilitate the mediation process. Peer Mediators are often better able to empathize with the situations faced by peers, as a result they frequently are able to ask questions that identify the root cause of a problem. The benefits of using Peer Mediators are extensive and the training experience provided mediators with communication and leadership skills that are useful well beyond the boundaries of the mediation table.

Social Skill Tutorials
Individual Social Skill Development is designed to reinforce pro-social skill development through individualized 1:1 support. These sessions are designed to assist students in applying the C.A.R.E.S. pro-social skills, taught in Peaceful People, to daily challenges through targeted reinforcement, role play and skills practice. These sessions are not counseling sessions and do not address issues related to mental or emotional health.

Conciliations
Conciliation is a third party intervention strategy, typically used when disputants will not participate in a formal mediation. The intervener has controls the process and the parties in the conflict may or may not meet face to face. The intervener increases rationality and problem solving options through reflective listening. The parties then agree to a plan to help them avoid future conflicts.

Referrals to other interventions
Referrals are made when the students are exhibiting needs that have to be addressed by another professional(s) in the school. Referrals are often made to the School Social Worker, or to the building student intervention team.

Bullying Behavior Reports
Bullying Behavior Reports are reports made by the students when they observe or are the target of, one student intentionally and repeatedly acting out in a way that hurts another person emotionally, socially or physically. A definition of bullying behavior is formally displayed on the box, “Bullying behaviors are defined as negative actions that inflict or threaten to inflict physical or emotional injury or discomfort upon another person’s body, feelings, social status, or property. Often the bullying behavior is displayed by someone who is a stronger or more powerful than the target and the behavior is intended to hurt or frightens a smaller or weaker person on purpose over and over again.” A supply of forms is kept near the box. Use of the box is explained during a presentation(s) and reinforced through public service announcements. All students who are identified on the report as targets or victims, witnesses or “bullies” are contacted for information privately. During the discussion, facts related to the behaviors are gathered and the definition of bullying behavior is always reviewed.

Group Meetings/Class Meetings
Occasionally problems involve groups of students and require group problem solving and discussion. These meetings are typically planned in advance with the input of the classroom teacher(s), administrators or other involved staff. Group meetings typically involve the facilitator reviewing the history of the problem, gathering information in a controlled manner from the group participants and brainstorming solutions to resolve the issue(s). Group agreements are then formed and/or students are informed of consequences for continuation of the behavior. Each group and class meeting is individual and requires specific planning to determine the goals and targeted outcomes of the discussion.

Check- In
Many students require a follow up to ensure that an agreement or individual plan is working for them. These check-ins are often quick and provide a review of progress or barriers. In the event that a plan is not working, then a more formal follow-up intervention or strategy is planned with the student.
Referrals
Referrals are made when a student exhibits behaviors that are beyond the scope of the PRL Coordinators training. These referrals are typically made to another professional within the school building or to an appropriate school team.

Leadership Club
Offered as a supplemental support for trained Peer Mediators, the Leadership Club is designed to engage students in community service projects. Past Leadership Clubs have responded to local and national needs, taking on projects as varied as conducting Diversity Events in the school lunchroom or selling white ribbons to raise funds for Tsunami and Katrina victims. Projects are conducted with administrative approval and the clubs welcome input from interested faculty.