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Goal

According to Voight & Nation (2016), peer support programs are beneficial to both the peer helpers and the students they support, creating a positive school culture by enhancing connectedness. The proposed peer helper program is designed promote a supportive school environment at Hinson Middle School, as part of our school’s Supportive School Climate plan (ref: VCS 502.14).

Selected 8th grade students will be trained as peer helpers to provide positive role modeling and assist 6th grade students. A new 6th grade Kindness Club will be launched for 6th grade students to participate in activities that promote a supportive school environment in which all students feel accepted and included. The materials listed in this proposal are needed to train the peer helpers, to facilitate team building activities between 6th graders and the 8th grade peer helpers, and for the participants to create positive messaging in the 6th grade building through hall decorations, posters, cards, etc.

Voight, A. & Nation, M. (2016). Practices for improving secondary school climate: A systematic review of the research Literature. American Journal of Community Psychology 58, 174-191.
 

What will be done with my students

The 6th grade Kindness Club will be launched in Fall 2023. The Kindness Club will be open to all interested 6th grade students. The Club will meet during lunch with Dr. Taylor. Kindness Club members will be trained in topics such as positive thinking and growth mindset. In addition, the club members will work together to design and implement supportive school climate initiatives for the entire 6th grade. Examples of such initiatives include: hallway decorating with positive messaging, school beautification projects, community service projects, creating public service announcements, conducting motivational activities, etc.

While the Kindness Club is being launched, approximately ten 8th grade students will be selected to participate in a 10-week training program that will be facilitated by Dr. Taylor. The peer helpers will assist younger students in need of support (e.g.: tutoring, conflict mediation, and being a buddy to younger students). In addition, the peer helpers will provide cross-age mentoring by participating in Kindness Club activities.

The Standards to be addressed:
SP.PK12.US.20.6
Work cooperatively in small groups to achieve common outcomes.
SP.PK12.US.20.3
Identify and maintain behaviors that build positive relationships with peers and adults, including friendships, family relations, and cooperating with peers.
 

Benefits to my students

The program will help selected 8th grade students build leadership and helping skills and will reinforce their positive behaviors. They will provide positive role modeling to the 6th graders and assist them in making a successful transition from elementary to middle school. The 6th grade Kindness Club members will be given opportunities to build their self-efficacy and make a positive impact on their school environment. They will be coached on organization and planning skills throughout their projects which will help them develop important skills for academic success. All of the participants will learn team building and social skills through activities such as joint problem solving, board games, social skill/communication activities, school beautification projects, and community service. 

Budget Narrative

All items will be purchased from Amazon.

A Peer Helper training guide and workbook will be purchased for training the 8th grade peer helpers.

Games and materials for team building activities will be purchased for group meetings with the 6th graders and the 8th grade Peer Helpers.

Examples of the Art supplies to be purchased include: art paper, paints, and materials to make hall decorations which will be designed by the students in groups.
 

Items