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Winter’s slower pace and chilly weather invites reflection, and at Peace Education, we’ve been asking, What if?
What if parents and children shared the same language and skills for resolving conflicts?
What if teachers and students recognized each other’s triggers and knew when to de-escalate?
What if entire communities had tools to manage anger and solve disputes peacefully?
With these questions in mind, Peace Education has launched Family Engagement Nights—bringing students, parents, and school staff together to learn the foundations of peaceful communication and conflict resolution.
The first Family Engagement Night kicked off on January 28 at Conway Middle School, where families gathered for a shared meal before diving into interactive problem-solving activities. Led by Peace Ed trainers, the evening featured group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and cooperative games—offering a condensed version of the multi-day training we provide in schools.
Participants explored key conflict resolution skills, including recognizing anger triggers (immediate actions that spark anger) and anger cues (physical signals that indicate rising frustration). Together, students, parents, and educators developed strategies to calm themselves and express emotions constructively—reinforcing that conflict resolution is a learned skill, not just a reaction.
On February 6, Shawnee Middle School hosted the next Family Engagement Night, welcoming families of 6th and 7th graders. By involving adults alongside students, we ensure these critical skills aren’t learned in isolation. Instead, they become part of a shared language at home and school—creating a stronger, more peaceful community.
At Peace Ed, we believe that real change starts with conversation, understanding, and practice. Family Engagement Nights are just the beginning—because when we learn to resolve conflicts together, we create a future where peace isn’t just an ideal but a daily practice.
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