It is not enough to prepare our children for the world, we also must prepare the world for our children.
-Luis J. Rodriquez
-Luis J. Rodriquez
The award winning Leslie Middle School Peer Helpers are a select group of seventh and eighth grade students who are recognized as student role models and natural leaders who lead by example. The history of the Leslie Middle School Peer Helpers extends back to 2013 when they were honored during the "Spotlight On Success" portion of the December Salem-Keizer School Board Meeting and recognized for being an integral part of Leslie's Zero Anti-bullying Program, ambassadors for the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project, and activists who are mobilizing the Kindness Revolution.
The Peer Helpers are the first student group in all Salem-Keizer Public Schools to be trained in restorative justice practices. Restorative Action Alliance, LLC, conducted a two-day training where our students became formally trained in peer mediation and conflict resolution. Their training enabled them to be able to support their peers in dealing with friendship issues, interpersonal conflicts, and navigating middle school life.
The Leslie Peer Helpers are the proud recipients of the 2013, 2015, and 2017-2019 Harold Schnitzer Spirit of Unity Awards that are given out annually to ten middle & high school peace, human rights, and/or conflict resolution clubs from applicants all across the state of Oregon. Leslie's Peer Helpers were chosen for their outstanding work for initiating peace and service projects in their school and community with the intent to make our world both a safer and a better place for all.
The Spirit of Unity Award is offered through a grant from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation to the Wholistic Peace Institute's (WPI) Student Peace Education & Leadership Program. WPI's charter is to work directly with Nobel Peace Laureates and to bring them to Oregon annually so that they can have direct contact with university, high school, and middle school students. The goal of WPI is to work to develop future peacemakers who can take their place alongside previous Nobel Peace Laureates.
Ms. Silvia Kofler, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy attached to the European Union delegation to the United States, represented the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, the European Union, at the first award ceremony that took place on October 9th, 2013, at Athey Creek Middle School in West Linn, Oregon. Ms. Kofler presented Leslie Middle School with their certificate of merit, check for $500, and graciously gave of her time to be photographed with our students.
Additionally, the Peer Helpers have participated in Salem's first ever Safe Services Coming Out Community Resource Fair organized by the LGBTQ Advocacy Network. The event took place at the First Congregational Church on National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2013. Community engagement continued with the Peer Helpers presenting at the 21st annual Salem Speaks Up event held on International Human Rights Day, December 11, 2013. The event is organized by the Marion & Polk County League of Women Voters, the Salem Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission, and a host of other contributors as a way to honor the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. The Peer Helpers spoke about their efforts to bring about peaceful cooperation by inviting the audience to take the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Pledge, "I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others."
The history of the Peer Helpers continues to the present day. These students tirelessly dedicate themselves to making Leslie Middle School a meaningful and worthwhile place where every student is able to learn, study, and grow fulfilling Leslie Middle School's vision of "all students will be on-track to graduate and prepared for a successful life."
The Peer Helpers are the first student group in all Salem-Keizer Public Schools to be trained in restorative justice practices. Restorative Action Alliance, LLC, conducted a two-day training where our students became formally trained in peer mediation and conflict resolution. Their training enabled them to be able to support their peers in dealing with friendship issues, interpersonal conflicts, and navigating middle school life.
The Leslie Peer Helpers are the proud recipients of the 2013, 2015, and 2017-2019 Harold Schnitzer Spirit of Unity Awards that are given out annually to ten middle & high school peace, human rights, and/or conflict resolution clubs from applicants all across the state of Oregon. Leslie's Peer Helpers were chosen for their outstanding work for initiating peace and service projects in their school and community with the intent to make our world both a safer and a better place for all.
The Spirit of Unity Award is offered through a grant from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation to the Wholistic Peace Institute's (WPI) Student Peace Education & Leadership Program. WPI's charter is to work directly with Nobel Peace Laureates and to bring them to Oregon annually so that they can have direct contact with university, high school, and middle school students. The goal of WPI is to work to develop future peacemakers who can take their place alongside previous Nobel Peace Laureates.
Ms. Silvia Kofler, Head of Press and Public Diplomacy attached to the European Union delegation to the United States, represented the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, the European Union, at the first award ceremony that took place on October 9th, 2013, at Athey Creek Middle School in West Linn, Oregon. Ms. Kofler presented Leslie Middle School with their certificate of merit, check for $500, and graciously gave of her time to be photographed with our students.
Additionally, the Peer Helpers have participated in Salem's first ever Safe Services Coming Out Community Resource Fair organized by the LGBTQ Advocacy Network. The event took place at the First Congregational Church on National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2013. Community engagement continued with the Peer Helpers presenting at the 21st annual Salem Speaks Up event held on International Human Rights Day, December 11, 2013. The event is organized by the Marion & Polk County League of Women Voters, the Salem Human Rights and Relations Advisory Commission, and a host of other contributors as a way to honor the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. The Peer Helpers spoke about their efforts to bring about peaceful cooperation by inviting the audience to take the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Pledge, "I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others."
The history of the Peer Helpers continues to the present day. These students tirelessly dedicate themselves to making Leslie Middle School a meaningful and worthwhile place where every student is able to learn, study, and grow fulfilling Leslie Middle School's vision of "all students will be on-track to graduate and prepared for a successful life."