Rice Commends Young Writers, Actors and Producers Committed to Making Local Schools Safer

Students learn peaceful conflict resolution through Peacemakers program

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice today commended students at Dodd Middle School in Freeport and members of the Actors’ Garage for writing, producing, and acting in their own public service announcements that advocate peaceful conflict resolution and avoiding school violence.

Rice said the PSAs will be shown to other local schools as a way to give students the tools necessary to avoid bullying, and respond to conflicts peacefully. The project was created as part of the District Attorney’s Project Safe Neighborhood using the Peacemakers program, a nationally recognized program designed to improve conflict resolution and non-violent solutions.

“Programs like these are wonderful ways to get students involved not only in extracurricular activities, but activities that will benefit them and their community for years to come,” Rice said. “By teaching non-violent conflict resolution, we are giving them the tools to lead peaceful and successful lives.”

The Peacemakers program, developed by Jeremy Shapiro, PhD, teaches upper elementary- and middle school-aged students positive values and attitudes related to violence. Youth are trained in anger management, problem solving, communication, assertiveness and conflict resolution. Instead of being delivered like a lesson, the Peacemakers principles are taught through school activities.