Advisor: Lisa M. Bechtel

lbechtel@newtonnj.org

The Peer Leadership program at Newton High School is designed to improve communication skills so that student members are able to assist other teens in dealing with issues and everyday problems that often impact on academics and life style. A trained peer leader is not a counselor, but someone who provides peer mentoring and a role model for fellow students. In essence, Peer Leadership is peers helping peers. The club is involved in numerous activities and initiatives that promote the excellence of our school and contribute to a positive school climate. Some activities include: Freshmen Orientation, Freshmen Volleyball Tournament, March of Dimes Walk-a-thon, The Middle School Anti-Bullying Summit, Week of Respect public service announcements, Suicide Prevention/Awareness programs, Violence Awareness Week, Red Ribbon Week, and other various community service projects involving the Merriam House, Bristol Glen and Barn Hill. Students are elibilge to apply to be a peer leader during the spring semester of their Sophomore year. In order to be a peer leader, students must be in good academic standing and have a clean discipline record.