Pleasant Valley students demonstrate peer‑mediation program to South Windsor board

Pleasant Valley students described and demonstrated a student‑led peer‑mediation program at the South Windsor Board of Education meeting, saying the initiative helps classmates resolve conflicts peacefully and build longer‑term social skills.

The program was introduced by Esther Bochidati, principal of Pleasant Valley, and presented by student mediators Brillin Gilbert, Georgia Sheridan and Jasmine Mason. Students walked the board through the application process (written application and recommendations), training (two days covering rules and team building) and follow‑up checks after mediated agreements.

"Pure mediation is a program that helps kids solve issues in a nice and peaceful way," student presenter Brillin Gilbert said, describing how mediators ask questions, set ground rules and check that agreed resolutions are followed. The students emphasized confidentiality and that mediators do not judge who is right or wrong.

In a short staged demonstration, the mediators guided two students through the steps: each student described feelings, mediators restated positions and the pair agreed on a solution and follow‑up check. "We always follow up with the students who participate in peer mediation," a student presenter said, explaining the program’s monitoring step.

Board members asked how mediations are initiated; the students replied that peers can submit slips in boxes located in the cafeteria and office, and that two mediators check the boxes daily to identify conflicts. Mr. Armstrong asked the question and the students explained the intake process.

Board members praised the presentation. Mr. Mackey said, "All of our students are amazing speakers," and noted that early conflict‑resolution training could reduce later disciplinary needs.

The presentation concluded with an offer for board members to arrange follow‑up visits and demonstrations; the board did not take any formal action on the program at the meeting.