By Journalism student Kayden W. and edited for clarity by New Life Academy.
NLA Lower School has implemented a new way to teach curriculum by integrating the Kelso Ambassadors program, a teacher-selected role, to help students solve disagreements during lunch and recess. “We started the Kelso curriculum last year and, in an effort to embed it deeper, we thought it would be helpful if the students started to put it into action by creating a leadership opportunity for them,” Lower School counselor Jacki Steinkamp says.
Teachers select one boy and one girl from each grade to be named an ambassador for each quarter. If there is any small conflict at lunch or recess, they will be called over to help intervene and resolve the issue. The students use the choices wheel to help advise students on what decisions they can make best going forward.
“The start of the year has been really positive; there haven’t been a ton of problems,” Mrs. Steinkamp continues. “My hope is that throughout the quarter I can keep encouraging them to grow their leadership and conflict resolution skills, not only to help others but also to help themselves.” Mrs. Steinkamp trains the Kelso ambassadors by watching videos and acting out different scenarios that could occur. They are also taught that when the problem gets out of their control, they need to tell a trusted adult.
“It’s been really cool to have the opportunity to help show kindness and love to others. It’s teaching me to be more like Jesus,” describes fourth grader Kennedy Ksepka. The Kelso ambassadors have already stepped up and shown their character to others. “I’ve been really impressed with these kids’ willingness to try something new. It just shows their integrity and character by how much they have developed already,” explains Mrs. Steinkamp.
Now in their second quarter of the program, the impact continues to grow. “We’re on our second group of Kelso Ambassadors, and it’s been great to see them stepping up and making themselves available at lunch and recess to help classmates resolve small problems,” Mrs. Steinkamp shares. In addition to helping students become more proficient at using problem-solving skills, being a Kelso Ambassador gives students an opportunity to be a servant leader. Once an ambassador, they’re always an ambassador and may continue to use their skills to help others long after wearing the safety vest.
