Conflict Management

Mrs. Ogilvy and Mrs. Remenick will soon be visiting classrooms to help students build healthy conflict-resolution skills and understand the important difference between minor (small) problems, such as disagreements, misunderstandings, and everyday conflicts and serious (big) problems, including bullying.

As a Leader in Me school, we believe every child has the ability to be a leader. Leadership includes learning how to communicate respectfully, solve problems, make responsible choices, and seek help when needed. Our goal is to give students the tools and confidence to take an active role in solving age-appropriate problems while also recognizing when a situation requires help from an adult.

Students will learn that bullying is more than a disagreement or an unkind moment. Older students will discuss bullying as repeated, intentional behavior that causes physical or emotional harm and involves an imbalance of power. These lessons will align with the FCS Code of Conduct. For our younger students, we’ll use the easy-to-remember “BOO” acronym: Being mean, On purpose, Over and over.

We will also introduce or in most cases review Kelso’s Choice, a conflict-management program that teaches children practical ways to handle minor problems independently. Students will practice strategies for solving disagreements, communicating respectfully, listening to others, and making positive choices.

These skills connect naturally to The Leader in Me because being a leader isn’t just about leading others; it’s also about leading yourself. When students pause, think about their choices, use their words respectfully, and work toward a solution, they are practicing leadership. They learn that they have the power to choose how they respond, even when they cannot control someone else’s behavior.

Just as importantly, students will learn that serious problems should always be brought to a trusted adult. Children are never expected to handle bullying or unsafe situations on their own. Knowing when to ask for help is also an important leadership skill.

Our hope is to empower students to become confident problem-solvers and compassionate leaders who can be kind, be respectful, be a friend, and know when to ask for help.