Exciting news: Marlboro Middle School (MMS) is relaunching its Safe School Ambassador Program! Developed by California-based nonprofit Community Matters, and adapted for local school districts by the Orange County Youth Bureau, this leadership program harnesses the power of socially influential students to prevent and stop bullying and mistreatment.
After being hand-selected by their teachers, a group of student leaders participated in a two-day interactive training session, along with several adults who will serve as program mentors. The training gave the student ambassadors the skills and tools needed to resolve conflicts, defuse incidents, and support isolated and excluded students. Following the training, the ambassadors will meet in small groups every few weeks. These meetings, led by the adult mentors, will provide an opportunity for the students to strengthen their skills, analyze their intervention methods, and sustain their commitment to the program.
School Counselors Susan Steinberg Smith and Candice Jordan, who were instrumental in bringing the program back to MMS, are optimistic that it will have a positive effect on the school. “We are empowering students to help create a safe and more welcoming climate amongst their peers,” said Steinberg Smith.