Spotlight on Peacebuilders

Peace Builders, a Lucas group led by second-grade teachers Miss Hill and Mrs. Brown, is a long-standing tradition in our school.  Though she's not sure about the exact date of its inception, Miss Hill says Peace Builders has existed all nineteen years that she's been at Lucas.  Previously, it was led by guidance counselor Renee Hansen until her retirement in 2013.

Fourth-grade students are invited to be part of Peace Builders.  Those who choose to take on this role receive special training by Mrs. Brown and Miss Hill.  Every day, members assist during the second-grade noon recess.  Two or three members circulate around the playground and watch out for second-graders who are having conflicts.  They help these younger students find peaceful solutions and encourage them to think through their issues.  Member Molly Carlson says she joined Peace Builders because "when I was in kindergarten, I saw the Peace Builders being kind and helping the teachers outside, and I really looked up to the Peace Builders.  Also, two of the best, kind, strong leaders run it."

This relationship is beneficial to the second-graders as well as the Peace Builders.  Second-graders respect and admire the older students, and the Peace Builders gain confidence by serving as helpers and role models to the younger students.  It also provides them with an opportunity to gain responsibility.  Peace Builder Liz Degner says that sometimes it's tough when kids argue.  However, she finds it rewarding "when you see kids following your directions and they are safer than what they were before."

Sydney Schwindt, another Peace Builder, recalls a challenging situation she helped defuse. "One kid came up to me and said someone punched him. The person who was accused of punching ran away from all Peace Builders."  With the support of a teacher, Sydney was able to talk to the students and help them.  "I was complimented for my choice of words and how I handled the situation."

"This is a very positive program for Lucas School," says Miss Hill.  "Mrs. Brown and I check in with the Peace Builders daily, and they talk to us about the recess activity.  They are a delight to work with each day as they enjoy being a Peace Builder.  It is also great to see the second graders respecting the Peace Builders.  The Peace Builders have a lot of fun, and they enjoy working together as a team."

Liz provides this advice for students who would like to be Peace Builders in the future:  "Be nice and try to respect the kids you’re helping—even if they argue with you."  Molly says, "It's one of the best memories you can make."

Fourth-graders who are interested in joining Peace Builders should talk to Mrs. Brown or Miss Hill.  A parent or guardian must sign a permission form.