An excited Simone McPherson, an elementary school student, said “I am going to help kids solve their problems without fighting!” And she knows how to do it, too. How did she learn? At her school: PS 261.

On September 29th, forty-five fourth and fifth graders were trained to be peer mediators by Nino Nannarone, a nationally known consultant and director of Resolving Conflicts Creatively Program (RCCP).

“I can't wait to start mediating!” said Paris Stanilaus, a newly trained student mediator.

Nannarone, who trains educators from all over the USA, believes children can learn to arbitrate disputes themselves. RCCP builds a sense of mutual respect and teaches students to be peace makers. The RCCP curriculum, developed by Educators for Social Responsibility, has a mission to help children develop the skills and convictions they need to shape a just, peaceful and democratic society.

In a world full of conflict, the importance of this training cannot be underestimated. Since its introduction to PS 261 in the 1980`s, RCCP training has helped reduce disruptions and conflict related incidents.

All photos: (c)2003 Judi Aronson

Eileen Eiger, peer mediation coordinator at the school, explains, "The RCCP curriculum has made a difference by reducing conflict in three areas: the classroom, the lunchroom/schoolyard and beyond the school. With students receiving the ideas early and having them reinforced in every grade in every class, many students have internalized the conflict resolution messages and methods."

The PS 261 PTA also supports the conflict resolution program by providing Mediator t-shirts and a paid parent-coach who monitors the lunchroom and playgrounds.

With the support of principal Judi Aronson, the PS 261 peer mediation program has continued to be an integral part of the school. Aronson says, "Our the mission at PS 261 is not only to teach students to do well academically, but to also learn how to make the world a better place."