by Jesus Rodriduez, 8th Grade Reporter
Student problems are no longer an issue in P.S. 214X thanks to Peer Mediation and Conflict Resolution (PMCR), a program that gives students a chance to help their peers with the problems they are having with one another.
Students who are interested in becoming a peer mediator have to apply and partake in two rounds of interviews. The first round of interviews are with the PMCR coaches; the second round of interviews are with Mr. David Cintron, Principal. Following the interview sessions, Mr. Cintron makes the final decision about who has made the cut and will be peer mediators for the year.
PMCR has been a big hit in part due to its intensive selection process when it comes to choosing mediators. Additionally, peer mediators receive many demanding training sessions and have to make many sacrifices in order to be successful.
Coaches work closely with the peer mediators and also recruit more candidates to become future mediators. The two coaches of the PMCR program are Michael Puckering, Dean of the Elementary School, and Gislaine Augustine, PBIS Coordinator. These coaches are extremely dedicated and committed to the goals of PMCR.
The ground rules of any mediation include: one mic, no put-downs/offensive comments (because we don’t want to have the conflict escalate into a bigger issue), and most importantly confidentiality—what is said during a mediation stays within the mediation. Finally, during a mediation, disputants agree to work closely and cooperatively with their peer mediator to resolve the problem. By the end of the mediation, disputants should have come up with a solution, or agreement, to their conflict.
Now in its second year at P.S. 214X, the PMCR program has solved over 120 cases. Positive results of the program include a significant decrease in the number of suspensions. Furthermore, students in the middle school and beyond are excited about being able to solve their own conflicts in a peaceful way with the assistance of their peers.
Students should not be scared to apply for a position as a mediator for the program, or even to attend a mediation to resolve a conflict that they are having.
As Mr. Puckering passes onto his peer mediators, I pass onto you, “Do the right things and the right things will happen.”
Lorraine Hansberry Academy - P.S. 214X 