Conflict Mediation
Middle School students are encouraged to resolve conflicts utilizing the mediation process, which is outlined below. Students may ask a teacher or their School Counselor to facilitate the process for them. Parents may also refer their children to Conflict Mediation by contacting their child's homeroom teacher or the School Counselor.
Conflict mediation is a process that has been adopted throughout the Seneca Valley School District. Though the same process is used throughout the school district, it is adapted to meet the needs of students of all ages. The mission statement below describes the district's philosophy regarding conflict mediation.
Seneca Valley "Peace" Mission:
Seneca Valley School District accepts the reality that conflict is natural, and many times, inevitable in relationships between people, including friends. The Seneca Valley K-12 Conflict Mediation "PEACE" Curriculum demonstrates to administrators, teachers, students, and to the Seneca Valley community that there are ways to deal with conflict other than passivity or aggression. The goals of the Conflict Mediation "PEACE" Curriculum are to develop conflict resolution skills, to increase understanding and appreciation of others' viewpoints and individual and cultural differences, and to empower all youth to play a significant role in creating a more peaceful world.
Conflict Mediation "PEACE" Process:
Step 1 P: Pause and take time to cool off if needed; introduce mediation process
Step 2 E: Explore the problem by talking and listening to each other
Step 3 A: Ask questions and understand each other's needs
Step 4 C: Consider solutions that you can agree upon
Step 5 E: Establish a plan
The following rules are used to guide the mediation process. These rules help ensure that each person involved in the mediation will be heard, understood and respected. When conflict mediation is successful both students walk away with the assurance that the conflict has been resolved. Furthermore, students will have gained addition skills and strategies to solve conflicts in future.
Conflict Mediation Rules:
1. Treat others with respect
2. Speak kindly (No blaming, name calling, put-downs)
3. Tell the truth (We are not here to blame or punish but to solve the problem)
4. Listen without interrupting
5. Work together to solve the problem
6. Keep talks confidential
The Peace Pledge
I will pledge to be part of the solution.
I will eliminate taunting from my own behavior.
I will encourage others to do the same.
I will do my part to make my community a safe place by being more sensitive to others.
I will set an example of a caring individual.
I will eliminate profanity towards others from my language.
I will not let my words or actions hurt others.
And if others won't become part of the solution, I will.