Jefferson Middle School expands 'Power of Peers' program to boost inclusion

Jefferson Middle School told the Board of Education about its peer-support program "Power of Peers," a student partnership initiative that connects students with and without disabilities and aims to increase inclusion, leadership and social skills. "It is a program that promotes a partnership between students with and without disabilities," Shannon Blasey, principal of Jefferson Middle School, told the board. The program is adapted from the START program at Grand Valley, said staff, and is rooted in evidence-based practices to promote independence, social communication and a sense of belonging. Teachers and school staff formed the program during a pilot year; last year 32 students participated and the program has 42 students signed up so far for the current year, staff said. Presenters noted two small community grants and several local sponsors helped get the program started; the team reported raising $670 from a T-shirt fundraiser this year and pursuing state bullying-prevention grant funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to support inclusion work. Students and student leaders addressed the board about their experiences: Eli Wickop, a seventh grader who identified himself as autistic, said he was a mentee last year and is a mentor this year. "My favorite part of this program is making new friends and learning how to communicate with others," Eli said. Other students said Power of Peers helped them "make connections and friends" and "get out of their comfort zone." The board thanked the presenters; President Rausch praised Eli's decision to serve as a mentor. Administrators said the program will host kickoff and community events such as a soda-parlor kickoff, brick-decorating and seasonal activities designed to bring peer partners together across the school day. The board received the informational presentation; no formal action was required.