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Peer Mediation is available to students in grades 1 through 5. McAuliffe has 12 peer mediators, all 5th graders who have been trained in the mediation process. A counselor is always present during peer mediation, and mediation is always voluntary. Students may fill out a referral form for peer mediation and turn it in to one of the counselors. During peer mediation, the students are taken through the problem solving process: 1. Introduction and Ground Rules: The mediators explain their role and go over the 5 rules, which include no interrupting, no insults, students must be honest, they must agree to work to solve the problem, and no bringing up the past. 2. State the problem to be solved: Each student has an opportunity to tell their side of the story while mediators listen, summarize and reflect feeling. Mediators then determine what each problem solver needs and what issues are involved, such as respect, communication, acceptance, or trust. 3. Brainstorm solutions: Each student may tell the other student what they would like the other student to do to prevent future problems. An agreement is drafted. Each student then decides what they are willing to do to solve the problem. 4. Conclusion: The agreement is decided upon and the students sign it. A check-back date is determined, if necessary. To find out more about Peer Mediation at McAuliffe, feel free to contact Ms. Gaeta at (703) 680-7270.

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