Feedback
A school Superintendent had this to say about STAR:
"The program has a very positive effect on the tone and culture within the building. Students are now more likely to report that an incident of bullying has gone down, and when bullying may occur, students know how to handle or report it. STAR students are also better equipped to deal with conflict when it arises. When students come back to school after their training, they are different people who have been equipped very well for leadership. It would be a shame to ever lose STAR programming."
Representatives from the McKnight Foundation after a demonstration by a STAR team:
"...were very impressed with the maturity and confidence shown by the students.""...some of us learned some new skills in a very short time."
A Camp Director had this to say about Peacemaker Resources training:
“I would recommend Peacemaker training because it is fun for the trainers and the kids both and after a short period of time it becomes something that flips in the brain and the whole community starts to recognize situations for what they are. I can’t tell you how many times this summer I heard “I” statements consciously used and people commenting on a situation with the words that it was bullying or a drama triangle. The topics became recognizable in the rest of our camp life.”
Students had this to say about the STAR Retreat:
"I learned how to deal with bullies."
"I liked staying in cabins with kids from other schools."
"I learned that everyon eis part of the ripple and can start peace."
"I learned how to be myself and respect others."
"It's fun!"
Advisors had this to say about the STAR Retreat:
"Team building activities were fun and a good opportunity for kids to look criticaly at their decision-making skills." "What I came away with from my first STAR event has been utilized again and again and with success...it just makes sense."
"The youth advocates were positive role models for kids!"
"The session on media and body image is good and really important for kids this age."
Students had this to say about being on a STAR Team:
"I like going into classrooms and teaching younger kids."
"It gives kids a chance to make a difference."
"I liked developing social skills and passing it on to others."
"STAR helps me figure out how to solve problems."
"The school board listened to us."
