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“STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS"
Peer
Mediation is one of many interventions utilized at Gwynn Park
High School to help maintain a safe, orderly, and caring
environment, while helping to reduce the suspension/detention
rate. Students are trained in the mediation process and then
serve as mediators to assist their peers in the peaceful
resolution of conflict. Last year’s Gwynn Park mediation team
successfully resolved 403 conflicts. Mediation works at GPHS
because it is supported by the administration, teachers, staff
and students.
THE MEDIATION PROCESS
Recent media events have taught us that seemingly
trivial disputes can spiral out of control and result in tragedy
for our young people. While conflict is natural and inevitable
in society, students need to learn ways to avoid potentially
violent situations and to develop problem-solving skills. At the
high school level, most of the disputes are a result of
rumor/gossip, relationship issues, intimidation and threats,
issues involving personal space and property. The primary focus
of the peer mediation program is prevention of violence
between students. Additionally, it is recommended that students
suspended for fighting or violent behavior toward another
student should participate in mediation as part of the
readmission process.
All students experiencing difficulty with other students are
encouraged to refer themselves to peer mediation. Friends are a
frequent referral source, as well as teachers, parents,
administrators, and security. Mediation emphasizes the ability
to see others’ points of view and works toward the peaceful
resolution of differences. These are vital skills which assist
one to live in a multicultural world.
GPHS’s mediation program is under the supervision of Dr. Suzi
Hundemer (x234). The Peer Mediation office is located in room
202, adjacent to the media center. There, disputants will meet
with trained student mediators. Following established procedures
in the mediation process, mediators set the ground rules, gather
data about the problem, and brainstorm with the disputants about
possible solutions. The mediation culminates with the signing of
a contract by both disputants, and a handshake to seal the
agreement. Grade level administrators are given copies of each
contract. By coming to peer mediation, the disputants avoid
suspension, detention, or other punitive measures; instead, they
gain practice in solving their interpersonal problems without
violence.
The cornerstone of peer mediation is “CONFIDENTIALITY” about
what transpired during the mediation process on the part of both
mediators and disputants. If information involving serious
threats, drugs, weapons, or abuse is shared, the mediation is
terminated and Dr. Hundemer will handle the situation. However,
the basic trust that what is said during the mediation will not
be shared with other students or teachers is essential to the
success of the program.
REFERRAL PROCEDURES
You may refer students to peer mediation at any time, via
e-mail, telephone (x181), or in writing. Referral forms are
available in the Peer Mediation office (#120) and in guidance.
Mediation is appropriate for any student experiencing escalating
conflict with another student. If such an incident is disrupting
your class, please send one of the students to my office with a
pass, and I will send for the other student. Peer Mediation is
not a “drop-in” clinic; unless it is a true emergency situation,
students seeking mediation must make an appointment or be
referred by a teacher or administrator. Both mediators and
disputants will always be given passes to readmit them following
mediation. Do not accept any student claiming to be coming from
peer mediation without a pass from me. In my absence, Mr.
Wheeler is the administrative liaison to supervise mediations.
PEER MEDIATORS
Students applying to be peer mediators must have
signatures from teachers, who are the initial step in the
screening process. Please be selective! Mediators do not
have to be exemplary students; rather, they are a cross-section
of the student body, and only a 2.0 GPA is required. They must,
however, be respected by their peers, have good communication
skills, and demonstrate responsibility. The latter is
particularly important, as mediators will occasionally be called
upon to miss class for mediation duties. As the teacher, you
determine whether a mediator may miss part of your class.
Teachers will be given a duty roster each month identifying
mediator duty days.
It is a privilege to be a mediator; use this as leverage to
motivate your student mediators to do better in your classes.
Needless to say, any mediator who instigates or participates in
a fight can no longer be a mediator! Please contact me if you
have any concerns about a mediator.
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Gwynn Park High
School 
14201 School Lane