Passport to Peace
Program teaches kids how to get along without bullying or violence
Passport to Peace, a program launched by Hanley Center's Prevention Services, West Palm Beach, Florida, issues a new kind of passport for elementary school children in grades K through 5, and it doesn't require travel. Instead, according to Lynn Guelzow, Director of Hanley's Prevention Services, the passport represents a trip in which kids learn to develop positive social attitudes and stop violent behavior.
Teachers and guidance counselors in Florida have found the Passport to Peace program transforms the environment of schools, especially those with diverse student bodies. The program, proven effective in a five-year pilot program at Wilton Manors Elementary in Ft. Lauderdale, was developed for children aged five to 12, as a character development tool, which helps them practice and develop healthy attitudes in interaction and learning. A companion Passport to Peace Family program promotes understanding, respect and family bonding.
The program was developed by Ana Leon, Florida's current Elementary Guidance Counselor of the Year. The Passport to Peace was found in the pilot program to reduce referrals of grade K-5 students by 80 percent to school counselors or principals for bullying and violent or aggressive behavior. The remaining 20 percent of students were school newcomers at Wilton Manors. The school has a diverse student body, with many recent immigrants who primarily speak Spanish and Creole.
The turnkey program was designed to be included in as a school-wide program with grade-level specific activities and reading throughout the school year. While all classroom and family materials are included in the modules, teachers and students have created their own activities and elements around it, such as a Peace Pole that has become the gathering place for awards and highlights at one school.
The program's lessons promote twelve key attitudes including confidence and independence; commitment and cooperation; creativity and empathy; tolerance and respect; enthusiasm and curiosity, and honesty and appreciation. Kids collect Passport stickers on their journey through the school year.
For pricing for Passport to Peace for the Classroom and Passport to Peace for Families, call Hanley Prevention Services at 1-561-841-1216 or 1-800-444-7008, extension #1216.
