Conflict Resolution

Upper Merion Area Middle School Conflict Resolution

As a Community of Caring we teach caring and respect and work proactively to maintain a positive climate in which students help all peers, even those who may not be their friends and who are friendly to other groups of students school wide.  We create a common language that promotes school unity.  Teachers build student “perspective-taking”, collaboration and they teach students how to act with empathy and acceptance.  We involve parents in discussions to build parent support for a safe and unified community.

As documented in our Guidance Curriculum, we utilize the Second Step Curriculum. The skills and lessons utilized in this research based curriculum address conflict resolution.  Counselors utilize this skill development in the classroom setting, as well as in groups and in meetings with students.

Administrators, teachers and counselors work with students as soon as they see minor disagreements arise.  Teachers discuss conflict in class meetings where problem-solving is encouraged.  Problem-solving and conflict resolution are integrated through the regular curriculum.

If conflict arises counselors and administrators will discuss and or mediate with individuals or groups of students.  Parent involvement is encouraged to assist their children in resolving conflict.

When necessary, students involved in a conflict may be assigned to a teacher in behavior support to reflect upon their behavior verbally and in writing.  They may be assigned a mentor to assist them in accepting responsibility for their actions and for making better choices moving forward.

Principals meet with all students in the beginning of the year to discuss behavioral expectations regarding conflict resolution. Teachers and counselors then follow up on teams.  These expectations are reviewed again in January and on an as needed basis throughout the year.  Detective Glauner speaks to students yearly regarding conflict resolution from the community and police perspective.  Therefore, through our Community of Caring, Conflict Resolution is addressed proactively by our entire school family.