March 4, 2014€¦ · Web view3 – INTERVIEWS: By Wednesday, April 23, you will be notified as...

Conestoga High School Peer Mediation Team200 Irish Road, Berwyn, PA 19312

March 31, 2014Dear Applicant –

The Conestoga High School Peer Mediation Team is a group of students who are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming school environment for our students by providing new student orientations, conflict resolution education, mediation services, peer mentoring support and various school unity activities. They are a true support system for each other – a team in every sense of the word. They hold each other accountable and responsible for their share of work that produces a positive school climate for all.

During the application process, we look to find the candidates who truly wish to serve others in our school community. We look for students who take initiative and plan on making Peer Mediation a top priority in their Conestoga experience. We want students who are looking out for the best interests of their peers at all times. We look for students who are not afraid to speak up and who are proud of their association with this team, its beliefs, and its philosophy. We want students who will truly stand up for those in need – even when it may not be the popular thing to do. It’s easy to say you ‘could’ do all of these things, but the question is, when it comes time to make the choice each day… will you? When the choice is free period in the cafeteria or working one-on-one with a student who needs support – will you choose the student in need? When the choice is mediating a dispute or meeting a friend in the library, will you choose the mediation?

We are looking for students who are willing to both lead and follow, because a successful team must have communication that works both ways. We are looking for those who will serve to maintain the diversity of our team for the good of the entire school community. Keep in mind that the application is just the first step in a long process through which we will become better acquainted with you and the qualities you would bring to the team. While we do not seek perfect people, we do seek those who are willing to go the extra mile for the benefit of the school community at large and do the little things that serve the needs of each individual during every moment of the day.We wish you the best of luck in your application process and look forward to meeting you!Sincerely,

Dalia Al-Bataineh, Mark Frederick & Sam ZawackiPeer Mediation Team Presidents

P.S. ALL MEDIATORS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE YEARLY TRAINING PROGRAM. THIS IS A MANDATORY ONE DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR 9th GRADE MEDIATORS THAT WILL BE HELD AUGUST 7 from 7:30am – 3:15pm in the Conestoga High School Cafeteria.

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APPLICATION INTRUCTIONS FOR CANDIDATES TO THE 2014-2015 TEAM

STEP 1: READ AND REVIEW: Please be careful to read the entire application and to pay particular attention to due dates. Late applications do not send the message that you will be a good candidate for the team as promptness is one of the standards for mediators.

STEP 2: TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that you distribute the teacher recommendation forms first to allow teachers the maximum amount of time to complete your recommendation and return it as instructed by the due date. The recommendations are located at the back of this application packet. Please note that there are recommendations for one special areas teacher, one major subject teacher and one non-teaching staff member (counselor, administrator, administrative assistant, aide, cafeteria, custodian). Please be sure to give the correct recommendation to each teacher. When approaching a teacher, we recommend that you follow standard procedures for securing a recommendation:

1 Approach the teacher in person, explain what you are trying to accomplish and ask if they are willing to complete your recommendation form.

2 If the teacher does not wish to complete the form, thank them for their time and select another. If your teacher does agree, give them the recommendation form with an envelope.

3 Finally, remind the teacher of the recommendation due date (April 11) and that is to be turned in to the Main Office Peer Mediation Application Mailbox.

STEP 3: STUDENT APPLICATION: Complete the three 2-sided pages (pp. 5-10) that comprise the New Members Application Form 2014-15.

STEP 4: PARENT APPROVAL: Give your parent/guardian the Parent Letter which requires a signature from both of you as well as an RSVP from your parent/guardian. Please be sure they review the team contract and the team brochure for greater understanding of what will be expected of you and how they will have to support your efforts should you join the team. (Parent Content pp. 11-14)

STEP 5: TURN IN APPLICATION: Return your student application (pp. 5-10) and parent approval/RSVP form (p. 11) to the Peer Mediation Application Box in the Main Office by 2:30pm on or before FRIDAY, April 11th. Please note that each application will be stamped with the date of receipt.

SINCERELY,

The Peer Mediation Team Executive PresidentsDalia Al-Bataineh, Mark Frederick & Sam Zawacki

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TRAINING REMINDER: ALL MEDIATORS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE YEARLY TRAINING PROGRAM. THIS IS A MANDATORY ONE DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FOR 9th GRADE MEDIATORS THAT WILL BE HELD AUGUST 7 from 7:30am – 3:15pm in the Conestoga High School Cafeteria.

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The Application and Selection Process… What Can I Expect and What Are We Looking For?

The Peer Mediation Selection Process begins with the distribution of applications. Once students have the application packet, they complete it and then attend a panel interview to be evaluated by the building teacher and staff. The administrative team reviews the list of applicants then final selections are made. In choosing the team, our goal for the selection process is to provide us with students from all walks of life - a group of individuals who, when combined, will serve to meet the needs of our diverse school community in interests, academics, culture, age and experience.

1 – SOLICITATION PROCESS: We will distribute applications to candidates from the student body from March 31 to April 9. Students may pick up an application from the Main Office, Room 118, or the Counseling Office. Applications are welcome from all 8th grade TEMS and VFMS students who have a true interest in helping our TESD Community with our safe schools and positive school climate initiatives.

2 – WRITTEN APPLICATION: Written Applications are due no later than Friday, April 11, 2014. Candidates should complete the application as directed. We recommend that candidates be honest in their responses. We are not looking for perfect candidates who attempt to give perfect answers. Honesty is a valuable trait that will be considered as we look for candidates with the most fitting qualities of a Peer Mediator. Remember that teacher recommendations are considered part of your written application and must be received for you application to be complete.

3 – INTERVIEWS: By Wednesday, April 23, you will be notified as to whether or not you have been accepted to move on to the interview stage. If you have been accepted to the interview stage, you should sign up for your interview in Room 118 NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, April 25TH. The interview time slots fill up quickly. If you have after school activities, it is recommended that you discuss your interview time with your coach/advisor prior to interview sign ups so you know if they would rather you take an early or late interview time. You will have two interviews:

A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PANEL INTERVIEW: At this interview, you will meet the Peer Mediation Team Officers with the exception of the presidents. They will have you complete a questionnaire and then ask you the first interview questions. Both the timed questionnaire and the interview will demonstrate to us your ability to ‘think on your feet’ under pressure. This is a skill that all mediators must possess and is something your teachers do at times in your classes. Imagine a teacher randomly calling on students for answers – that is likely what this will feel like for you. Again, we recommend that you try to stay calm and be honest with your answers.

B. ADVISORY BOARD INTERVIEW: At this interview, you will meet the Peer Mediation Team Presidents and the team’s Faculty Advisors. They will ask you questions about your written application as well as some other things that will help them to understand more about who you are and what you wish to accomplish by joining the team. We realize that sometimes talking to adults or people in authority may be difficult, but again, please remember that we are just trying to get to know you. Be yourself and answer honestly rather than tell us what you think we want to hear you say.

4 – STAFF & FACULTY REVIEW: All members of the staff and faculty are invited to evaluate the applicants using the form provided by the advisory board since the mission of the team is to provide a safe and positive school climate for the entire school community.

5 - ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW and FINAL SELECTION: All scores for each candidate are entered into a confidential database. Once entered, the administrators review the final candidate scores and confirm that the prospective team meets the requirements of the application process. Advisors check and double check scoring of applications, recommendations and interviews to be sure

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that the process has been conducted in a fair and correct manner (see below for more on scoring and selections). Once the administration gives their final approval, the advisors and presidents will begin the process of drafting letters to each candidate, regardless of their final status.

5 – LETTERS: All candidates will receive a status letter.

A. New Trainees: The final list of summer trainees will receive an acceptance letter. At this time, veteran members are in their re-application process so until we know the number of returning members, we cannot give an exact number of how many trainees we will accept. The number of summer trainees is the mathematical equal of 100 members minus the number of returning veteran members. It is estimated that number will be twenty-four to thirty-six new trainees. The new trainees that receive acceptance letters are required to attend the MANDATORY SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM IN ITS ENTIRETY ON AUGUST 7TH from 7:30AM TO 3:15PM. If they are unable to attend as described, an alternate will be selected.

B. Alternates: Six candidates will receive letters that explain their status as alternates to the team. This also makes them alternates to the summer training program. If a selected trainee cannot attend, an alternate will receive a call from an officer offering them the position for training. We have used alternates each year for the last three years. The number of alternates invited varies. If an alternate cannot attend training, we move to the next alternate on the numbered selection list.

C. Thank You Letters: The remaining candidates will receive letters of thanks from the team for their willingness and courage for committing to the selection process. Only a small portion of the school population will have the bravery to submit to this process. That bravery alone will be the reason the thank you letter will include an invitation to apply again as old members graduate, resign or are not renewed each year. Based on the application and interview, we will also suggest other organizations to many members that they may serve in a similar capacity to Peer Mediation. We know that working through the selection process itself will give the candidates an invaluable experience moving forward with their goals for the future.

Our selection process is long, but necessary in choosing a strong group to support our school community in a very special way. We look for candidates who have the time and motivation to devote to the school community at large. We seek a group composed of varying academic levels, social groups, ethnic groups, backgrounds and interests. Whether you work for the team or not, we hope that you will continue to work in your own way to bring unity and positive school climate to Conestoga High School.

Thank you for your application.

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NEW MEMBERS APPLICATION FORM 2014-15

Please tell us about yourself…

Name: Age: Grade: HR: Gender:

Please answer the following questions by filling in the blank or circling response that best describes you. For the rating questions, circle the 5 for your highest response.

I am free to attend Monday night team meetings YES NO I am an athlete in more than one sports season YES NO I am in more than one music program YES NO I would consider myself an outgoing and energetic person 1 2 3 4

5 I enjoy being involved in a good variety of activities in our school community 1 2 3 4

5 I have commitments outside of Conestoga in the T/E community that I enjoy 1 2 3

4 5 I can attend after school team and/or special meetings 1 2 3 4

5 I am able to devote one free period per cycle to the Peer Mediation Team office1 2 3 4

5 I enjoy Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) 1 2 3 4

5 My backpack, locker, bedroom are always kept neat and orderly 1 2 3

4 5 I enjoy public speaking 1 2 3 4 5 I am comfortable speaking to adult strangers 1 2 3

4 5 I am comfortable talking to unfamiliar peers 1 2 3 4

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Advisor Use Only:STUDENTPARENTCOUNSELORTEACHER

My primary cultural experiences are:

Eastern European

Western European

African

Asian/Pacific Islander

Middle Eastern

Other:

My course levels are a mix of:

AP

Honors

Accelerated

Academic

My strongest subject is:

I am fluent in the following languages:

English

x

x

x

Place an * after any language that is your native language.

My primary CHS interests are:

Academic

Music/Theatre

Art/Technology

Industrial

Athletic

Club


I love when my teachers assign group projects 1 2 3 45

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My Interests: (check all that apply)

CHS Competitive Sports Teamso CHS Footballo CHS Cross Countryo CHS Soccero CHS Field Hockeyo CHS Girls’ Tenniso CHS Basketballo CHS Wrestlingo CHS Swimming/Divingo CHS Winter Tracko CHS Competition

Cheerleadingo CHS Baseballo CHS Softballo CHS Lacrosseo CHS Tracko CHS Boys’ Tenniso CHS Ice Hockey Clubo CHS Rugby Clubo CHS Crew Clubo CHS Squash Clubo Other:

CHS Music/Theatre Program

o Marching Bando CHS Stage Crewo Fall Dramao Spring Musicalo Pit Orchestrao Choir/Chorale/Camerata/

Chanteuseso Jazz Band/Ensembleo Symphony Orchestrao Concert Bando Percussion Ensembleo Wind Ensembleo String Ensemble

Cultural/Genre Hobbieso Travel/Cultureo Museumso Science Fictiono Comic Bookso Antiqueso Foodieo Pet Training/Pet Showso Other:

Health-Related Hobbieso Yogao Meditationo Body Buildingo Marathons/Runningo Jumping Ropeo Martial Arts

o Fitness Counselingo Other:

CHS Co-Curricular Programs

o The Spoke, Editoro The Spoke,

Writer/Reportero The Pioneer, Yearbook

Editoro The Pioneer, Yearbook

Staffo Frame & Canvas,

Magazine Staffo Lit Mag, Literary

Magazine Staffo TETV News/Production

Clubo Science Olympiado Chess Teamo Voices Speech &

Debate Teamo Academic Competition

Teamo Math Competition

Teamo National History

Competition Clubo Underwater Robotics

Teamo Envirothon Teamo Student Councilo A.D.L. (Anti-

Defamation League)o Manifesto Key Clubo Best Buddieso Model U.N.o National Honor Societyo National Art Honor

Societyo Tri-M Honor Societyo Firefighter EMT’s

Nature-Related Hobbies

o Recyclingo Organic Farmingo Compostingo Landscape Gardeningo Hydroponic Gardeningo Making

birdfeeders/birdhouses

o Recycled Craft Makingo Making recycled papero Animal careo Other:

Observational Hobbies

o Birdwatchingo Geocaching

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o Photographyo Cloud Watchingo Stargazingo People Watchingo Herping (looking for

reptiles)o Amateur Meteorologyo Other:

Community League Sports

o Fall Travel Club Sporto Winter Travel Club Sporto Spring Travel Club Sporto Other:

Recreational /Outdoor Adventure

o Kart Racingo Scuba diving/Snorkelingo Swimming (Ocean/Lake)o Surfingo Skateboardingo Skiing/snowboardingo Ice skatingo Rock climbingo Bungee jumpingo Orienteeringo Spelunking (caving)o Hikingo Backpacking/Campingo River rafting/Kayakingo Boating/Sailingo Hunting/Fishing/Archeryo CHS Sailing Clubo CHS Paddle Clubo CHS Sailing Clubo Other:

Creative Hobbies

o Cooking/Bakingo Drawing/Paintingo Reading/Writingo Composing Musico Dancing/

Choreographyo Sculpting/Ceramicso Model-Buildingo Interior Designo Craft-Makingo Other:

Computer/Tech Hobbies

o Computers/Gameso Video Gamingo Social Nets/Bloggingo Keeping virtual petso Creating softwareo Internet browsingo Other:

Indoor Hobbieso Board/Table Games o Watching TV/ Movieso Bowlingo Billiardso Ping Pongo Potteryo Collector (stamps, etc)o Other:

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Please answer the following questions by either filling in the blank with your answer or ranking your answer from 1 to 5. When answering, use 5 as your highest score.

First, tell us about your experience with peer mediation at your school.

I was very aware of the program and its purpose at the middle school. 1 2 3 4 5

Peer Mediators are visible and helpful members of my school. 1 2 3 4 5

I knew how to contact a mediator if I needed assistance. 1 2 3 4 5

Next, tell us about your experiences with school-wide events:

I love attending school events, such as dances, student-faculty games, and the ice cream social. 1 2 3 4 5

I remember 5th grade orientation (first three days of school) and found it to be very helpful 1 2 3 4 5

Mediators and Golden Eagles were easily available in the hallways the first three days of school 1 2 3 4 5

I joined clubs during my time at TE/VF 1 2 3 4 5

Rank yourself by circling the number that best describes your level of effort/participation:

I remember my elementary school STAR lessons. 1 2 3 4 5

I remember my middle school STAR lessons. 1 2 3 4 5

I remember conflicts that I had when I was in elementary school. 1 2 3 4 5

I remember conflicts that I had when I was in middle school. 1 2 3 4 5

It is very important for mediators to visit the elementary schools and teach lessons about respect 1 2 3 4 5

It is very important for mediators to visit the middle schools and teach lessons about respect 1 2 3 4 5

Evaluate the following aspects of your life as a student at your middle school and in the TESD Community.

I have a strong academic standing with my teachers 1 2 3 4 5

My teachers would say that I do not bully or judge others 1 2 3 4 5

I have maintained a clean discipline record (no detentions or suspensions) 1 2 3 4 5

My peers would say that I do not bully or judge others 1 2 3 4 5

I am comfortable speaking in front of my class for speeches/presentations 1 2 3 4 5

My knowledge of our academic program is excellent 1 2 3 4 5

My knowledge of the layout of our campus is excellent 1 2 3 4 5

My knowledge of the special programs, clubs and teams at TE/VF is excellent 1 2 3 4 5

I set a good example for the TE/VF student body in all aspects of student life 1 2 3 4 5

Place an ‘X’ in the space provided in front of the answer that best represents the choice you would make in the situations described below.

When you hear people gossiping about other people, you typically

_____ Intervene and let those people know that gossiping is wrong_____ Ignore them_____ Participate or add to the discussion_____ Stay and listen, but say nothing

When someone you know is excluded from a class group, party, lunch table, team or activity, you usually

_____ Invite them to join you_____ Suggest to the group to include that person_____ Choose not to attend or participate in the event _____ Attend the event

I typically (check all that apply)

_____ Complete homework and hand it in on time_____ Complete homework but often forget to hand it in_____ Forget to regularly complete homework_____ When experiencing a conflict or concern about class or a teacher, I approach the teacher with my

concerns_____ When experiencing a conflict or concern about class or a teacher, I avoid the class or the teacher_____ When experiencing a conflict or concern about class or a teacher, I seek advice from my guidance

counselor, support teacher, Assistant Principal or parents

If you have a conflict with a class or teacher, who typically approaches the teacher?

_____ You_____ Your parents_____ Guidance Counselor_____ Assistant Principal_____ Support teacher_____ Other school personnel

When participating in group work, do you tend to be the

_____ Leader (initiate the assignment and delegate the work)_____ Active participant (don’t take charge, but contribute to the work)_____ Task Master (keep others on task)_____ Follower (do the work delegated to you, but don’t initiate ideas)_____ Avoider (does not contribute to the assignment)

There is a new student who has just arrived in your science class. It’s time for a lab and all of the students are moving around to join a group. You would most likely,

_____ Immediately approach the new student and ask he or she to be your lab partner_____ Go with your friends but look over your shoulder to make sure the new student finds a partner_____ Remind the teacher the new student may not have a lab partner_____ Allow the new student to find their own group

If you were in a class, the cafeteria, a study hall, library, bus stop, etc. and a student or group of students used the “R” word or otherwise made fun of student with disabilities, you would likely

_____ Speak out against their comments_____ Ignore them and walk away_____ Tell a teacher, counselor, administrator or parent about what the students were saying_____ Do nothing

A friend of yours tells you that another student in your math class has a cheat sheet under their sleeve for a test you are taking. You would typically,

_____ Ignore it. They’re only hurting themselves by cheating_____ Tell the teacher_____ Tell a teacher, counselor, administrator or parent about what the students were saying_____ Talk directly to the student and ask them not to cheat

You did not finish all of your homework last night. You have first period free/study hall and you have a friend in class. You choose to

_____ Work on your own homework first period_____ Make a plan to copy your friend’s homework_____ Take the late point deduction or zero on the assignment_____ Ask the teacher for an extension_____ Talk to your guidance counselor and ask them to talk to the teacher for you_____ Ask a parent/guardian to call the teacher

When participating in group work, do you tend to be the

_____ Leader (initiate the assignment and delegate the work)_____ Active participant (don’t take charge, but contribute to the work)_____ Task Master (keep others on task)_____ Follower (do the work delegated to you, but don’t initiate ideas)_____ Avoider (does not contribute to the assignment)

MINI-PROJECT: You are a mediator who is helping to plan a new program to middle school students in grades 5 and 6. Design the portion of the lesson you will teach in the space provided below. Your lesson topic is “Friendships” and you have eight minutes to make an impact on your students’ perspective of how they treat others each day. Your lesson should include the following parts: Introduction, Definition of Friendships, Activity and Closing. Ready? Go!

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Please sign below verifying that you are aware that your child is applying for the Conestoga High School Peer Mediation Team. Most members of the T/E Community are aware of the yellow shirts that grace our hallways and provide welcoming services to students, staff, parents and visitors. The part of the job that is confidential and performed in the privacy of the school community requires intensive training and team building so that these students are able to provide the best possible services to our district’s school community. With this in mind, if selected, your child will be required to attend the 9th grade Peer Mediation Team Summer Training Program at Conestoga High School on August 7 th, 2014 from 7:30am to 3:15pm in its entirety. Absolutely no exceptions will be made with regards to attendance at training. It is a group training program and no individual

training sessions or make up time can be provided due to the nature of the program. If your child cannot attend, an alternate will be selected. If your child should miss any of the training time during the summer program, their position will be forfeit. You may also wish to review the attached Peer Mediation Team Contract that all mediators are required to sign once accepted to the team. It is important that parents understand the nature of the team’s work so that they may support their child in their efforts to provide support to the Conestoga community.

X X PRINTED Student Name PRINTED Parent/Guardian Name

X X Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

Sincerely,

The Peer Mediation Team AdvisorsMs. Marcia Mariani, Lead AdvisorMrs. Carrie Houde, STAR AdvisorMr. Michael Cangi, LINKS Advisor

CONFIDENTIALSPECIAL AREAS TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

(TO BE VIEWED ONLY BY ADVISORY PANEL)

APPLICANT NAME GRADE

TEACHER NAME ROOM (Confidential)

DUE TO MAIN OFFICE NO LATER THAN APRIL 11, 2014

HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS STUDENT?

PLEASE RANK THIS STUDENT IN RELATION TO THE TOP 1% OF STUDENTS YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN YOUR TEACHING CAREER. CIRCLE YOUR SELECTION USING 5 AS YOUR HIGHEST SCORE.

INTEGRITY 1 2 3 4 5

RESPECT FOR PEERS 1 2 3 4 5

EXTROVERT/CONVERSATIONALIST 1 2 3 4 5

TASK FOCUS/TIME MANAGEMENT 1 2 3 4 5

RESPECT FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITY 1 2 3 4 5

INITIATIVE 1 2 3 4 5

LEADERSHIP IN LARGE GROUPS 1 2 3 4 5

DEPENDABILITY/TIME MANAGEMENT 1 2 3 4 5-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------COMMENTS:

CONFIDENTIALMAJOR SUBJECT TEACHER RECOMMENDATION






INTEGRITY 1 2 3 4 5









CONFIDENTIALNON-TEACHING STAFF RECOMMENDATION






INTEGRITY 1 2 3 4 5









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