News
November 17
2008
Students Become Part of the Solution
Central Park Peer Mediators Finish Training
 A
number of Central Park Middle School students have decided to
become part of the solution when it comes to adolescent
conflicts and problems. A large group of the middle
schoolers recently completed peer mediation training led by Duke
Fisher, a renowned mediator and trainer who has been exploring
the cutting edge of conflict management and mediation for the
last 15 years. Those trained will now try to help their
classmates during difficult times.
"When a
conflict arises between two students in which they can't settle
on their own, we may suggest that they go to peer mediation,"
said Kimberlea Curran, family and consumer science teacher at
Central Park Middle School. Mediation is a process in
which two or more people meet to talk out conflict and create
their own answers. "This is a chance for them to take
control of the situation and handle it their own way," said
Curran.
 Fisher
is known for helping students take risks, acquire skills and to
learn from one another. The intense training was designed
to get students to focus at being their best under the most
difficult of circumstances. Fisher provided an array of
techniques to manage conflict even when tempers are flying.
Peer mediation
at Central Park is voluntary, neutral and confidential.
Both the mediators and the students in conflict become
voluntarily involved. According to Curran, the students
who serve as mediators are there because they want to help.
"It is not their job to give advice, place blame or take sides."
"The student
mediators help the students in conflict find their own answers,"
added Curran.
The training
program was funded through the Safe Schools Healthy Students
grant.
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