| Submitted by Donnie Price
Peer mediation training took place on Friday, February 20th at Arnoldsburg School for the eight students that were elected by their peers from both 4th grade classes. Ann Kirkpatrick, elementary counselor from Raleigh County, provided training. Ms. Kirkpatrick has been training and utilizing the Peer Mediation program for several years in Raleigh.
Ms. Kirkpatrick explains the responsibilities of being a Peer Mediator
Ms. Kirkpatrick stated that Peer Mediation is an approach to conflict resolution in which trained students called Peer Mediators intervene. The mediators help the disputants reach a settlement of their conflict by helping them reach their own solutions to the problem.
She continued to explain that Peer Mediation programs could help students learn to solve their own problems before it escalates to violence. Students gain valuable decision-making strategies for better communication. Students gain a greater sense of responsibility and learn to solve their problems in the future.
Mrs. Dottie Nemitz, Paraprofessional at Arnoldsburg School will be the sponsor for the Peer Mediation program. Mrs. Nemitz who attended the training, and also has a background in conflict resolution, stated she was very impressed with how hard the students worked during the training. She also stated that she was looking forward to implementing the program when needed. Mrs. Nemitz will schedule and monitor each of the sessions that involve peer mediation at Arnoldsburg School.
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