Conflict-resolution, communication skills are focus of local workshop

Woodside High School offers parents, students, teachers and community members an opportunity to sharpen their communication and conflict-resolution skills during a workshop on Tuesday, April 14, starting at 7 p.m. in the school's multi-use room.

Guest speaker Marilyn Ferris of the Peninsula Conflict Mediation Center of San Mateo County will take participants through a step-by-step process of creative problem solving and share communication techniques. Some of the key points include: How to express feelings without blame, listen to another point of view, and make decisions with students in a positive manner.

Conflict-mediation programs with students trained as mediators will be urgently needed next fall when high school students will be required to remain on campus during lunch hour, said Sharon Yoerg, co-coordinator of the conflict-resolution program at Woodside High. "It's also important for parents to know how to reinforce these skills at home," she said.

Ms. Ferris is a former teacher, a conflict-resolution trainer, and a community mediator.

Her talk is part of the free parent education series, sponsored by the Woodside PTSA, Target Success, Padres Latinos, Sandhill Foundation, Peninsula Conflict Mediation Center and Woodside High's SOS (Students Offering Support.)

Spanish translation and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, call Dorothy Burnside at 369-1441, ext. 2317; Sharon Yoerg at 367-9750, ext. 4084; Margaret MacNiven at 948-6799; and Debbie Coyne at 365-2785.