Students at the Jeremy’s Ranch Elementary School in Utah are using mediation to resolve their problems.  Recently, fifth grader used the program to resolve a problem he had with a younger student after relocating to the school and getting into an argument.  The mediation was successful and both students shook hands at the end of the session.

According to school officials, it is a common outcome for students that utilize the school’s Peer Mediation Program.

In the program, fifth grade students work as the mediators under the tutelage of the school’s guidance counselor, Wendy St. James.  The program is in its third year, and was first used at the high school and middle school before being introduced to the younger students.

The program is part of a larger movement in the school called Spirit Kids.  In addition to being trained in peer mediation, the 30 Spirit Kids also tutor and help with recycling in the school.

School officials believe the mediation program fits in well at Jeremy Ranch’s vision and promotes the school’s goal of reducing punishment for students.  They like the fact that the program is “solution focused rather than blame oriented,” which is something a lot of supporters of mediation believe to be beneficial.  Mediation also gets kids to fix the root of the problem and take responsibility for their role in the dispute.

Parents are sometimes asked to take part in the mediation sessions.  St. James reports it was challenging adapting the program for younger children, and even though the sessions can feel a bit awkward at times, overall they have been positive.