The Sun Sunnyvale's Newspaper Photograph by Skye Dunlap Vargas children are learning about activism at a young age. Last week more than 500 students carried signs and cheered for peace on the elementary school campus. Vargas Elementary kids march for peace PeaceBuilders marks a first for Sunnyvale By Justin Berton Students took to the streets in west Sunnyvale on Oct. 5, responding to the violence and verbal put-downs they say dampen the quality of life at Vargas Elementary School. More than 500 elementary school kids carried signs high above their heads, cheered loudly over the voices of administrators and punched their fierce little fingers into the air to illustrate the peace sign. Of course, the controlled demonstration never reached the critical mass some student gatherings do, but the level of enthusiasm for the cause rivaled any scene in Sproul Plaza. Using the demonstration as the official kickoff for a year dedicated to peace and praise over hurt and harshness, Vargas students became the first Sunnyvale school to participate in the rapidly growing PeaceBuilders Program. After receiving a grant from the county Board of Supervisors, Vargas administrators were able to implement the program they hope will cut down on playground violence, encourage cooperation and work habits and ultimately lead to higher academic performance. "A school is always looking for a way to resolve problems and create an atmosphere of friendliness," Vargas principal Dr. Ana Bonilla said. Students participate in activities such as the daily reciting of a PeaceBuilding Pledge, and learn to identify the difference between giving praise and being harmful. Acts of playground altruism are also rewarded with coupons that students can turn in for prizes. Bonilla said the climate on Vargas' campus last year did not raise concerns, but administrators thought PeaceBuilders would act as a proactive measure. "This is what happens in any school--the first things students want to do when frustrated is hit somebody. But we want our students to learn that's not the way to handle things." The Board of Supervisors more than doubled the number of PeaceBuilder schools in Santa Clara County after it approved funding for eight schools to implement the program this year alone. It costs schools $13 per student, per year to maintain the program. The grants pay $11.85 per child, and Vargas picks up the difference, $1.15 per student--a cost administrators say is worth it in long run. According to data collected by PeaceBuilders, for every dollar spent on the program, the school will save $3.87 in return through minimized trips to the nurse's office, fewer out-of-school suspensions, and less detention time. PeaceBuilders began at one school in Tucson, Ariz. in 1993 after teachers created a program to curb violence and raise consciousness. The program is currently operating in 500 schools around the world. "This all started through teachers' word of mouth," said PeaceBuilders coordinator Susan Lowery. "If it works, it catches on quickly." Administrators will be able to look at data complied in June to gauge whether the program is effective at Vargas. If it does show results, Bonilla said, the school will use the program until its mantras are a mainstay on the Vargas campus. "This will be looked at as whether we are beginning to practice the principles we learn," Bonilla said. "Until, hopefully, what we practice is integrated into our culture," she said. Freckle-faced fourth-grader Chris Hall, 9, said PeaceBuilders has already had an effect on his once-perennial presence inside the principal's office. "I was in the principal's office all year last year," Hall sighed. "So far, I've only been in the office twice." Hall said neither instance this year was for violence or verbal put-downs. In fact, in one occurrence, he claimed he was mistakenly identified while putting his new skills to practice and attempting to resolve a playground conflict. "I like it because it has to do with helping each other," Hall said of the PeaceBuilders activities. "It's a better place without fighting. It's peaceful." [ Back to Contents Page | Sunnyvale Sun Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, October 14, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.