Conflict Resolution Team

Beginning October 2007, the Walter T. Bergen Middle School will be implementing a conflict resolution program to aid our students in their ability to manage the many conflicts that arise in and out of school. The program will be open to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who will be trained to mediate fellow students. These students will be chosen by the Walter T. Bergen staff on the characteristics of good listening skills, fairness, problem-solving ability, responsibility, trustworthiness, respect, and their ability to communicate well with their peers. Eventually the seventh and eighth grade students will be trained to visit classrooms and conduct lessons to our student body on managing conflicts. These lessons will include such topics as identifying the problem, understanding the other’s point of view, devising win-win solutions, and choosing the best solution. As this program is in its infancy stage, future years have the potential to expand into community affairs. The advisors Mrs.Paul and Ms. Harvey look forward to a successful program