Students stress peaceful ways to solve problems
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

HOWELL - In the wake of the nation's deadliest shooting, which claimed the lives of 32 people at Virginia Tech University, the Howell Middle School North Peer Mediation Club emphasizes more than ever the importance for students to decline the use of violence and to find alternative methods to settle disputes.

With a goal of helping their fellow pupils resolve negative experiences together, the group of 22 students who make up the club say they are making a difference within their school one situation at a time.

Teacher Renee Rosen, who is the club's adviser, said the Peer Mediation Club is simply "kids helping kids." She said the club teaches students how to build character.

Alexandria Pantina, 11, said she joined the Peer Mediation Club because she wanted to make a difference in her school and possibly help prevent conflicts from cropping up.

According to Alexandria, the peer mediators are learning "as a group how to solve things and discuss them in the appropriate tone of voice and manner of speech."

Sarah Hartzal, 12, said she feels good when she can help someone solve a problem. According to Sarah, peer mediation not only helps her to aid other people, but she has also applied the techniques she has learned to solve problems she faces.

Sixth-grader Andrew Tess said having a group such as the Peer Mediation Club in the building helps to give the school a better atmosphere.

"One less problem makes the school happier," Andrew said.

In addition to mediating disputes that arise between their fellow students, the group members have also shown that they are socially conscious as well. In March the club members collected money for homeless animals in Monmouth County. They raised $500 and donated the funds to the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Eatontown.

Rich Devlin, development specialist for the MCSPCA, said, "When the schools do these kinds of drives it is overwhelming. We do not normally get a sizable donation from the schools. The fact that these students initiated [such a campaign] themselves is outstanding. The money will go directly to the animals and hopefully other students will see their success and follow suit."

Mary Gallagher, 13, said, "Being able to donate to an organization that does such good things is an honor for our school."

Next on the Peer Mediation Club's agenda is the issuance of "kindness coins" during May.

According to Rosen, teachers in the school will receive a supply of "kindness coins" and hand them out to students who display kindness and good citizenship toward their peers. At the end of the month the students who received coins will be eligible to receive a prize.