An example from a Peace Guide that works in Brooklyn Park is a 5th grade student who struggles with emotional regulation, and is often asked to leave his classroom due to verbal outbursts and arguing with staff and students. They meet a couple times each week and talk about how he’s feeling, if his current mode of operating is working for him, and healthier alternatives to deal with uncomfortable emotions. The Peace Guide says:

“Emotional regulation skills are not easy to learn, and it can be a slow road, but he is improving.”

A new Peace Guide has just been added in Champlin! Peace Guides act as trusted adults for kids during the school day. They work 1-1 to help build skills like empathy, giving genuine apologies, and coming up with multiple solutions to a difficult problem. One parent said about the service:

“My daughter speaks with her Peacemaker at school frequently. She is a sensitive soul and this service has been invaluable in helping her navigate tough and confusing situations.”

Make a Friend, Be a Friend was given to 100 2nd grade students in Dayton. This book illustrates the value of friendships and teaches ways to show you want to be a friend, how to be a good friend, and what to do when you and you friend have a tough time. Lessons that certainly help build a community into adulthood!

“Stand up for somebody instead of standing around.”

“I’ll include more people at recess.”

These were two the takeaways from 4th graders after an Ambassadors for Respect bullying prevention training. 87 students were able to attend and learn easy ways to include others and the negative impact bullying has.

110 Kindergarten students in Elk River received the book Barnyard Buddies and read the book together in class. This book teaches students how to talk through conflicts peacefully by taking time to Stop and breathe to cool off angry feelings, to Tell how you feel using an “I” message, to Open your mind to different options, and to Plan a deal.

170 3rd grade students learned skills like positive self-talk and how to calmly use “I” statements when telling people how you would like to be treated from reading the book Ease the Tease.

Tangible strategies and verbiage to respond to teasing is an important skill this book helps to teach to elementary schoolers.

Funding was given to start a peer mentorship program in LPA. The Assistant Principal said: "The students who are being mentored are from many different backgrounds. We have students who have behavior issues, students who are being bullied, students who identify as a different sex, students who identify as not having any friends, and some bullies themselves. This program is designed to help our middle school students with whatever they may need to be successful at our school and to feel like part of a community."

102 kindergarten students got to read and take home a copy of One. This book goes beyond just helping kids learn their colors and numbers, it teaches them that everyone counts and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.

After a bully prevention training one 4th grade student said:

“I will stand up for people with disabilities. I learned that a lot of people can feel left out by a word. Remember it's not about what's on the outside.”

These bullying prevention trainings are impactful presentations run by adults with developmental disabilities. These Ambassadors for Respect have shared their stories with 100 students in the Plymouth area during this school year.

A Peace Guide works in a South St. Paul school with kids 1-1 to help with problem solving and leadership skills. Altercations were happening with 2nd graders picking football teams at recess. The Peace Guide worked with one of the kids on coming up with a fair process and empowered him to explain, and role model, this new process with his fellow classmates.

100 3rd graders took home a copy of the book Ease the Tease after reading it together in class. Together they learned how to respond to teasing in a controlled way versus being reactive, and the importance of speaking up instead of standing by when others are being teased. This book is a helpful reminder to all of us that there is power in what you think, and it can change the way you feel.

“To respect others no matter who they are.”

“Stand up for people anytime and help people always and tell an adult when needed.”

Two student commitments after a bullying prevention training. 94% of 4th grade participants said they will include others and 90% said they can now advocate for themselves and others after this Ambassadors for Respect session.

Four 4th grade classrooms attended a bullying prevention training and learned the impacts of bullying from people with developmental disabilities who had been bullied themselves. The outcome of this Ambassadors for Respect training was 103 students learning why inclusion is important, how to use person-first language, and how to advocate for yourself and others when you experience bullying. As a result of the training 100% of the surveyed students said they will now commit to including others.

“Students learn so much from the Ambassadors and I love how they teach them to be kind, respectful, and accepting. We love this and you all so much! Come back every year--maybe even more!”

Quote from a 4th grade teacher after an Ambassadors for Respect bullying prevention training. Five classrooms in Wilmar have attended a training this school year.