September 2006

The Peace Builder Program has reduced timeouts at the Morse Pond School (Grades 5/6) by 15% and decreased mediations by 10% at the Lawrence School (Grades 7/8). The teachers at these middle schools have reported that parents have noticed better behavior from their children both at home and in school.

The lessons in the PeaceBuilders program teach certain language to be used by students when their peers are talking inappropriately to others. The teachers in the elementary schools have seen an increase in the PeaceBuilders language in the classroom, in the lunchroom and at recess. The students continue to remind their peers that they are a PeaceBuilders school which helps de-escalate conflicts throughout the school.

With these results, the Falmouth Public School plans to continue the PeaceBuilders program. At the spring SDF grant meeting for the 2006-2007 school year, the group discussed planning for additional activities and the scheduling of another evaluation of the program for the spring of 2007 which will include a student/parent survey.

Submitted by:
Edward Winslow
Department of Health/PE/Life Skills K-8