From mediations, probations, and leading Dialogue Nights, the CORE 8 peer leaders play a key role in keeping Millburn Middle School a friendly and welcoming environment. Like the name, these peer leaders are essentially the “CORE” of the peer leader program at Millburn Middle School. These students have been trained since seventh grade as CORE 7 to facilitate large groups, bringing together students, parents, and guest speakers. The same group of peer leaders, now CORE 8 eighth graders, meet every week to brainstorm new ideas on ways to improve the school. We conducted an interview with Mr. Pisa, a co-advisor of CORE 8, about the CORE 8 group and what exactly they do. 

MEDIATIONS

What is the goal of a mediation? 

The goal of a mediation is to “bring two students together who have a conflict and figure out a solution, together.” The whole point is to find a solution that fits both parties involved. Sometimes that can lead to two friend’s bonds becoming stronger…or possibly weaker. The end goal is just for the students to come to a consensus and become civil towards each other. During a mediation, both sides of the conflict will have a chance to talk to not only the peer leaders, but also to each other, allowing the students to see the other person’s of the situation.

How do you get a mediation with peer leaders? 

Your guidance counselor will usually recommend a mediation to you. Mr. Pisa states that, “Usually I will get a student approaching me about a conflict and I’ll recommend them to a peer leader mediation. Sometimes, Ms. Ward or Mrs. Young (our vice principals) will approach me about students they recommend to get a peer leader mediation.” Mediation is not something students commonly seek on their own, but it is something that is usually recommended to two students going through a conflict that our teachers find a mediation session will help with. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to resolve a conflict with another person(s), don’t be afraid to reach out to your guidance counselor for a mediation with the CORE 8 peer leaders.

What conflicts are covered and is this method effective? 

There really isn’t a specific type of conflict covered, and as Mr. Pisa says, “The whole range of conflicts are covered. From locker disputes and small arguments to much deeper issues in friendships that may lead to the two parties splitting apart, CORE 8 has them covered.” The peer leaders have a lot of experience helping resolve conflicts between students. As fellow students at the school, they are more relatable and understanding of other students’ situations (often more than teachers and adults are), making the process effective. Confidentiality is a crucial aspect to every matter involving other students of the school as it is important to maintain trust within the school environment.

PROBATION

What exactly is a probation? 

A probation meeting is meant to give peer leaders one single chance to provide accountability to take responsibility for their actions, learn about their mistake, and recommit to the program. “Probation is what keeps the peer leader program honest. If everyone got to be a peer leader, there would be no credibility.” CORE 8 peer leaders are the ones in charge of the program but they are not exempt from the consequences that come with the responsibilities of being a peer leader. Someone that “falls short of the peer leader standards” could be assigned a probation for multiple reasons such as small, repeated actions like being tardy to every class or one big action such as being involved in a physical fight. During a probation meeting, if a decision to initiate a probation on a student is made, the peer leader in question will be set on a hiatus for the determined time period. Peer leaders are role models for the rest of the school, meant to set an example for fellow classmates and others.

How does it work? Does the person being prosecuted get a say in the process? 

If you find yourself probated, there are six defendants that will work with you to sort out the issue. Three of them will be chosen by Mr. Pisa himself and the other three will be CORE 8 peer leaders of your choice. The reason for this, as Mr. Pisa says, is “to keep those involved unbiased. Being chosen as a probation officer, not only once, but multiple times, is a huge compliment to the CORE 8 peer leaders. It shows their credibility and reflects the trustworthiness other people find in them.” These probations are a period for you to reflect on your actions. During the probation, you will get a chance to explain the problem. You will also be asked multiple questions regarding the incident. At the end of the probation meeting, a consequence will be sorted out by the CORE 8 peer leaders, and approved by administration. 

MORE ACTIVITIES HELD BY CORE 8

CORE 8 peer leaders are in charge of Dialogue Nights (one of which is coming soon on February 18th! - more information here). They also hold tours for new students and sixth graders at the beginning of each year. Occasionally, they come into sixth and seventh grade study halls to give presentations on topics like HIB vs. Conflict.

As a co-advisor of CORE 8, Ms. Wen has had the opportunity to work with CORE 8 for the entire year. She says, “The CORE 8 peer leaders are extremely dedicated individuals who work great together as a group. It is inspiring to see them improve the school as role models for other students. They are truly a reflection of how great working with students is.”

Final note from the writers:

Being CORE 8 peer leaders ourselves, we’re so thankful to have the opportunity to work with these amazing group of students and advisors. We hope that reading this article has given you a sense of what CORE 8 does for the school community and how hard they work in order to achieve their goal of making the school a more welcoming and safe environment for the students.

Thanks for reading (kudos to you if you still are :D)! Chloe and Zainab out.