2010

 What is peer mediation? A meeting that allows two or more students who have a problem to discuss their issue in safe and structured environment and come to a solution that they both agree on.

 Helps students to become problem-solvers.  Addressing minor problems before they become major problems.  Reduces the number of conflicts among students.  Improves school climate.  Reduces instances of bullying  Save teacher time by removing the issue of solving student conflicts

Peer mediators are students within the school that have special training in communication and conflict resolution. They are not judges or authority figures. They are neutral persons (do not take sides).

 1. Agree to mediate  Introductions, Setting ground rules, No name calling, foul language, tell the truth, no interrupting the other person while they are speaking, everything said during mediation must remain confidential. 2. Gather Information- Each party has three minutes to tell their side of the story. The mediator may ask questions to help understand the issue that is being discussed.

 3. Identify Common Interests-The mediator asks each party how they wish to resolve the problem and then summarizes what they said.  4. Create win-win options- The two mediators and the students brainstorm for solutions.  5. Evaluate options  6. Create a written agreement and sign only if both sides agree to the contract.

 Rumors/gossip/name calling  Fighting or other violence  Cheating and stealing  Disagreements among friends  Classroom disputes  Being unkind

 1) You can tell your teacher  2) You can tell Mrs. Savinon (counselor).  3)Drop a note in Mrs. Savinon’s box- briefly describing the issue.