Elementary students trained as mediators in conflict resolution

Buffalo Elementary students (L-R) Ethen Kelly, Fernando Mancilla, Andrea Garcia and Brenda Garcia practice the completion of a peer mediation session during their “Peers Making Peace” training. Contributed photo Twenty-four Buffalo Elementary students recently participated in the “Peers Making Peace” training, a nationally-recognized program in which youngsters are trained to use mediation skills to assist their classmates in resolving conflicts. The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders were nominated as mediators by their teachers for exemplifying character, trustworthiness, honesty, care and concern for others. During the three-day course they are taught to use a scripted and confidential mediation process to help guide their peers in voluntarily and peacefully working through conflicts. The training took place in the Springfield Center at the Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church.

Buffalo Elementary Counselor Gwena Thomason has overseen the peer mediation program for three years, and is enthusiastic about the positive impact she sees at BES. “Our students completed over 50 mediations last school year and we are happy to continue to offer this program for our elementary school. It’s been a very positive program and gives kids an alternative to working things out in a violent way, and helps them to work things out before it becomes a discipline issue.”

The conflict resolution program is recognized by both the US Department of Education and the Centers for Substance and Abuse Prevention. This year, over 800 students from across Texas received the “Peers Making Peace” training under a grant from the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office.