Bloomington High School North, Nikean, 2014, Page 56

Description:	PEER MEDIATION ^ ^A HELPING HAND »A NEW FACE» by Maureen LangleyCurt Simic sits at his desk in the backof his dimly lit classroom watchingstudents who have taken the class formultiple semesters lead a discussion.When Vickie Waltz retired last year,Simic took over her schedule of PeerMediation classes.Waltz is beloved and wonderful.Everyone whos met her has lovedher. Students who were close to herwerent sure they could do it againwith someone new, Simic said.Peer Mediation focuses on helpingothers and being better people.Topics covered are conflict resolution,anti-bullying and interpersonalrelationships. The key for Simic in hisfirst year has been to listen to hisstudents and continue to do what hasworked in past years.Even though hes not Waltz, hesdoing a great job. Ive seen him grow alot this semester, said senior GraciePemberton, who just completed herfifth and final semester of peermediation.One struggle Simic constantly has isgetting students to open up to eachother. He encourages students toparticipate by having them interactwith each other. They do icebreakers,student led lessons and groupdiscussions. A certain level of comforthas to be there because discussionsare often about difficult topics.The biggest part is letting themknow were all connected and nobodyis alone, Simic saidNot every student participates inclass or takes it seriously. Simic stillthinks that those students stillbenefit by listening and watchingother students do good things.My goal is to do the best I can. Ifthats your objective, you can do nowrong, Simic said.» 56
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomnorth/id/7748
Collection:	Bloomington High School North

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