Student leaders from the district’s middle schools and the Freshman Campus recently engaged in peer mediation training, which brought together students who serve as upstanders peer mediators and restorative ambassadors in their schools.

The session took place at East Middle School and was facilitated by Diane Urso, regional director of the New York State Mentoring Program.

During the session students developed skills in communication conflict resolution problem solving and relationship building. The training prepared students to support their peers with empathy and model positive behavior while helping reduce barriers to belonging attendance and engagement.

These training sessions support the district’s Graduation PLUS+ vision by strengthening leadership responsibility and purpose among students.

By equipping student leaders with tools to guide and support their peers, the district continues its commitment to building a culture rooted in belonging empowerment and shared responsibility.