Grades K-5  •  Liberty Corner, New Jersey

Students at Liberty Corner School are encouraged to solve problems and conflicts and are given the skills and opportunities to do so. The school's successful Peer Mediation program trains fourth and fifth graders to spot conflicts and offer those involved a peaceful, proactive way to resolve their disputes. By introducing the Peace Patrol, Liberty Corner has extended peer mediation onto the playground. At lunch recess, peer mediators take turns as Peace Patrollers, walking the playground wearing bright orange belts and watching for disagreements. When they see conflicts, Peace Patrollers are careful not to judge the students involved; their role is simply to suggest that mediation may be indicated. The Guidance Counselor trains the Peace Patrollers and offers them weekly opportunities to meet in order to discuss and reflect upon any areas of concern. Through role playing and simulations, students refine their mediation skills. As school leaders, Liberty's peer mediators model the school's core values, offer staff valuable insights into student behavior, and are proactive in solving problems and asking for any resources that may be needed. The program has resulted in a marked decrease in reports of poor playground behavior, and plans to extend the program to include arrival and dismissal times are under way.