Updates from the NY Center Training Institute

How do we keep busy at the Training Institute? Here are a few of the things we've been up to lately.

On September 1^st & 2^nd , Sequoia Stalder, Director of the CDRC & the Training Institute, trained 15 staff members from Olympus Academy, the transfer high school NYCID operates in collaboration with the DOE, in conflict resolution techniques. Participants gave the training high marks. One advocate counselor stated, “ I feel as though my classroom management skills will be improved with this knowledge”. All staff were very enthusiastic about using these conflict resolution skills back at school with their students.

In July 2009, The Training Institute lead two work readiness workshops with 17 Olympus Academy students, helping them to be successful in their summer jobs by learning new communication, time management and decision making skills.]

Since July 2008, 200 parents have attended the Parent ACT Class – Assisting Children through Transition. This is a 6-hour state mandated class where parents who are going through a divorce or separation learn new skills to manage conflict and support their children through this challenging period. Parents have stated that attending this class has given them hope and a new way to look at their difficult situation. Classes are taught monthly and advance registration is required. Our schedule for the remainder of 2009 is: September 26, October 14 & 21, November 14, December 1 and 8. The 2010 class schedule will be announced shortly.

In June 2009, the Training Institute completed their first school year of working with the Gaynor McCown Expeditionary Learning High School, training staff and students to conduct and manage a Peer Mediation program. The Training Institute provided over 50 hours of trainings, support sessions and skill-building workshops to 16 students and 6 staff members over the 2008 – 2009 school year. McCown High School is a new school on Staten Island, which opened its doors in August 2008.

In August 2009, the Training Institute Collaborated with Safe Horizon to provide leadership workshops to students in the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) at Truman & Lehman High Schools in the Bronx.

Over the course of the 2008 – 2009 school year, the Training Institute provided the McKee High School staff & students with the following Workshop Series: Peer-To-Peer Public Speaking Program & Peace Power Conflict Resolution Workshops for peer mediators; Peace Power Conflict Resolution Workshops for students in jeopardy of truancy, detention and suspension.

If you are interested in having the NY Center Training Institute customize training for your school or organization, contact Regina Shields.