The Peacemaker's Bridge
As part of a comprehensive conflict resolution and peer mediation program, students in North Boulevard School’s first through third grades are encouraged to take their own leadership role as Class Peacemakers. Students are trained in the language and steps of conflict resolution using the visual aid of the Peacemaker’s Bridge, a bridge with prompts to guide them through the process. This bridge is not only seen in classrooms and hallways throughout the school, it is painted on the school grounds. Supported by faculty, school staff and parents, Class Peacemakers wearing bright blue vests are available to help their peers walk the bridge and find a peaceful solution to their real-life conflicts when they are most likely to occur, at recess times. First through third grade teachers have noticed an increase in their young students initiating the conflict resolution process since the bridge has been painted on the school’s grounds. The Peacemaker’s Bridge provides many opportunities for children to develop good character as they solve problems. Class Peacemakers realize by using the bridge that even at their young age they can play a critical role in creating a caring school community.