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Wearing their gold-on-black T-shirts with the words ‘Peer Power’ printed on them, the sixth grade students at Lusher Elementary School looked focused as they walked down the halls or sat in classrooms.

Sixth grade students in at least two Hazelwood elementary schools took a break from their studies to participate in a one-day Peer Leadership Workshop, also called Peer Power.

At Lusher, students learned about positive peer pressure, decision-making skills and taking personal responsibility.

“One of the most significant activities in Peer Power is the time spent on cooperation and trust with the students,” said Lusher counselor Jill Love. “The activities conducted here not only teach the students how to work together to arrive at a solution but the lessons learned from this activity can be applied to real-life situations.”

Florissant Police Officer Rich Hart, sixth grade teacher Nicole VanGasse and guidance counselor Mike Adam each led forums on peer pressure reversal skills, sexual harassment and an empathy activity. All three sixth grade classes attended all three lectures.

At Grannemann Elementary, motivational speakers joined the staff in getting the students to work on setting goals, academic achievement and teamwork skills. State Farm Insurance, Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital’s School Outreach, the Minority Initiative for New Doctors (MIND) and the United States Navy all sent representatives.

Students attended a power pep rally where the staff, including new principal Maxine Valdez, motivated them. They defined the terms peers, powers, leaders and role models for the students.

“Before you can lead others, you have to be able to lead yourself,” Bev Brown, Grannemann’s guidance counselor, told the students.

Next, they were divided into Peer Pow Wows in which they worked with a staff member in a “Getting to Know Me” exercise. They sat in chairs arranged in a circle and the adult leader asked a question. To break the ice, the group leader would answer the question. Two students could give the same answer but they had to wait their turn until they could speak.

(story courtesy of Hazelwood District Communications Dept.)

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