David Starr Jordan Middle School launched the Safe Schools Ambassador Program with a staff and student training session on Monday and Tuesday, September 26 and 27.
The Safe Schools Ambassador Program is part of the school’s character education and anti-bullying campaign, explained Principal Stacy Cashman.
Students and staff took part in an intensive two-day training “to learn to be ambassadors of a positive school culture,” she added. “It gives students specific techniques like redirecting, reinforcement and inclusion to help make those unstructured times at school positive.”
“We are very excited about this opportunity to give students more leadership opportunities at Jordan and promote a culture of respect,” she also said.
Administrators selected students to represent different age levels and groups as ambassadors. The students do not intervene during serious conflicts.
“Their role is to facilitate positive interactions,” Cashman said. “They meet with the teachers and group a few times a month to share what is happening, get coaching and brainstorm strategies.”
“We chose this program because the majority of true bullying and conflict happens when adults are not around. We are trying to empower students to be leaders of positive change in our learning environment. We would also like to thank BUSD for funding this program.”
“Forty student ambassadors learned skills on how to help our school culture remain positive,” added Assistant Vice Principal Sean McCallon who oversees the implementation of the new program. “Through group activities… students were able to form groups with adult school leaders and gain skills in how to notice what is happening at school with other students and help create a safer environment.”
“The training brought students closer together and helped form friendships amongst students who may not have otherwise been friends. Students and adult leaders were able to build a foundation for bringing this program to our school.”
