Have you ever had a problem with someone at school but you didn’t really know how to solve it?

Peer Mediation is a program that is available for conflict resolution here on campus. It is ideal for people who are having disagreements or issues and feel like they might fight. Mediation is designed to avoid physical fights and help people talk out their issues. This last week, our PHS counselors held a training for the mediation team so that they could learn skills to help others talk out issues and get resources for conflict resolution. The Porterville Breakfast Lions hosted a luncheon for the Mediation team, and all had a positive and productive day.

According to Ms. Ramirez, one of our counselors, “Conflicts are a normal and inevitable part of our lives. Students are bound to have conflicts with peers throughout their school careers. Peer mediation is a voluntary process in which a student trained as a neutral third party helps other students in conflict get clear about their concerns, better understand one another, and agree on how to move forward. Using conflict resolution skills through peer mediation, students can see conflict as an opportunity for growth and learning.”

The Porterville High School Mediation Program has been successful on our campus since it was established 30 years ago. If you or someone you know is struggling with a problem and you feel like mediation might be helpful, please reach out to your counselor! The mediation team is here to help. There is no judgment and the conversations will remain confidential with the staff. Don’t fight–mediate before it’s too late!