Lionhearts+Peer+Mediation

=__**//Lionhearts Peer Mediation Applications, due Monday 12/17/12 by 9:00//**__=


 * Dear 3rd and 4th Grade Parents and Students, **

We are gearing up to start our second year of the Lionhearts Peer Mediation team in January. This week we will be accepting applications from students who are interested in joining the mediation team. We currently have 12 trained mediators in fifth grade, and are looking to add 12 more students to our team—6 in third grade, and 6 in fourth grade.

Peer mediation is a process where trained student mediators help other students work out small conflicts/problems with each other by improving communication and specific problem-solving skills. Research has shown that peer mediation programs result in fewer disciplinary actions and interventions by school staff, increase student resiliency, enhance the learning atmosphere, and create a more caring, supportive, and empowering climate for students and staff who participate. We will be using the PAX United Peers Making Peace peer mediation program, and more information on this program can be found at [|www.paxunited.org].

To participate in the Peer Mediation team, students must:
 * Complete the attached application and return it to the box outside Mrs. Justice’s office by 9:00am on Monday, 12/17/12
 * Strive to be a good role model and example for others, using active listening strategies learned in training, and follow school rules
 * Be respectful and maintain confidentiality/privacy of students who come for mediation
 * Attend and complete the mediation team training during school on January 23-25, 2013, from 11:00-2:30pm including lunch time
 * Attend a special guidance lesson on tobacco-use and refusal, with a post-assessment to check for understanding
 * Do mediations during non-instructional times (likely during recess or ROAR/DEAR time) and attend team meetings (about every 2 weeks)
 * If students are unable to come to school on their mediation day, please call Mrs. Justice at 464-4304 (even if just to leave a middle-of-the-night voice message). This applies to ALL team members.
 * Communicate with Mrs. Justice about his/her needs and questions about the mediation process

Before deciding whether or not your child will apply to be on the Lionhearts mediaton team, please take a moment to review the above noted expectations. It is important that you and your child agree to fulfill the expectations outlined above to ensure a quality mediation experience for our campus.

If you and your child agree that he/she will apply to be on the Lionhearts Peer Mediation team, please sign and complete the attached application. Applications are due to Mrs. Justice by 9:00am on 12/17/12, and late applications will not be accepted.

Here is the application: 