The MICDS Upper School Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program is embracing a fresh start for its sixth year by launching its annual cross-divisional connection sessions with Middle School students. This dynamic endeavor brings together a dedicated team of 55 Upper School mentors who meet six times a year during seventh- and eighth-grade advisory sessions. Their mission perfectly aligns with the School’s: to empower Middle School students to think critically, act responsibly, and nurture compassion.
These enthusiastic mentors–many of whom benefited from the P2P program in Middle School–cover a range of essential topics during these sessions, including self-esteem, healthy decision-making, fostering positive relationships, navigating the digital landscape, and more.
Before mentoring begins, the student-mentors undergo extensive training and preparation, honing their leadership skills and crafting group norms. Their ultimate goal? To create authentic connections with their younger counterparts. Every session kicks off with ice-breakers and team-building activities, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on the session’s predetermined topic. During these sessions, the mentors work hard to establish a safe environment where all voices are heard, confidentiality is honored, and respect for diverse stories and opinions is paramount.
Peer-to-Peer Co-Head Mia Krieger ’24 shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like on the mentor side. She said, “I joined Peer-to-Peer because I had such a good experience with it when I was in Middle School. I really looked up to my mentors, and I wanted to help other students have the same experience. Being a leader and a mentor means that we have added work over the summer and between advisory sessions during the school year. There’s a lot of preparation that goes on behind the scenes that can sometimes be challenging, but we work well together, and we always get through it. I enjoy making friends with the middle schoolers; they are so curious about the Upper School, and we love answering their questions.”
In the kickoff sessions, seventh and eighth graders dove into the sometimes-nebulous space of self-esteem and self-confidence. Mentors stressed the importance of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and treating oneself with kindness as key ingredients for building healthy relationships. The mentors also led students through the Circle of Influence exercise, illustrating how the presence of various individuals in one’s life can significantly impact them. From acquaintances to friends and family, the exercise highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
Peer-to-Peer Co-Head Charlie Fischer ’24 shared his love of the program and said, “When experiencing the Peer-to-Peer program in Middle School, I was eagerly engaged with the goals of the program. When I got the opportunity to be a leader of P2P, I took it. Since then, I have been trying to support the mission of the program to build connections and make the transition to high school better. I enjoy the experiences and memories we make with the middle schoolers. I think P2P is a great way to bridge the gap between middle and high school at MICDS.”
In the coming weeks and months, mentors and mentees will tackle topics like healthy and unhealthy relationships and the importance of boundaries, provide insider tips on registering for Upper School classes, discuss the pros and cons of technology and social media, and address crucial subjects such as mental health, consent, and peer pressure. They will also engage in “Ask Me Anything” sessions focused on transitioning to Upper School and cap off the year with a celebration, leaving behind a positive legacy for others to follow.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Upper School peer mentors for strengthening the bonds within the MICDS JK-12 community. Your dedication is helping to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all students!