What The PEER Leadership program is all about

PEER is a program where seventh and eighth graders help the younger students in our school. PEER leaders will talk to the students and help them with problems and can just be a friend. PEER leaders have been carefully selected and have gone through a great deal of training. We have been chosen as role models because of high grades, a love for helping, and we are against alcohol, drugs, violence, and bullying.

One-to-One Peer Support

Our program is open to all students who ask for our support and mentoring. We meet once a week, or every other week with students, and provide a relaxed and supportive environment for our younger Peer buddies. Year after year we have seen that many younger students feel comfortable talking first with another student who cares and knows how to listen. If you are interested in getting a PEER leader, ask a teacher or see Mr. Gilroy.

Conflict Mediation

We want you to know that one very important part of our PEER program is conflict mediation. One reason that mediation is effective is that it is voluntary and students choose to work with PEER mediators. We act as a "Third-Person" that does not take sides, and we are impartial listeners. PEER mediators work in pairs to help disputants to solve their problems and reach their own agreement. There are many kinds of conflict situations that create a need for mediation. This would include such things as disputes over personal belongings, competition in friendships, and peer pressure. Mediations are done with prior parental permission and take place under the supervision of a staff member. If you are an OAS student and you request mediation, these are the basic steps that we will go through with you:

-We will have a comfortable and private room for you to make the necessary introductions and we will discuss our role as mediators.
-We will also discuss the mediation process. We will listen to both sides, we will not give advice or take sides, and each person will have a chance to speak.
-We will explain that the mediation is confidential and we will have all participants agree that there should be no name calling, disrespect, or interruptions. Honesty is expected.

If anyone is interested in one-to-one support or PEER mediation, please ask a teacher or see Mr. Gilroy. Mr. Gilroy's phone number is (908) 709-6271.