Cool Down Around Sappingtontown
The school-wide peer resolution program is an important aspect of the character education plan at Sappington Elementary School. After analyzing hard data as well as climate surveys, the school first identified its beliefs to articulate a clear common vision regarding discipline. As part of a new professional development program, the staff studied the book, Talk it Out: Conflict Resolution in the Elementary Classroom. Then the staff members agreed that this program would be best implemented if the students were responsible for making it unique to Sappington. Next, student leaders met to discuss and reflect on the ideas outlined in the book. Students followed the steps outlined in the book, but chose to make changes suitable for the specific student needs that they identified were particular to the Sappington School community. Through these student and teacher team leadership meetings, class meetings and presentations to parent groups the conflict resolution program, Cool Down Around Sappingtontown was created and approved. These positive life skills taught and practiced with the program will help strengthen the character in all of the students.