PEER Helpers

Positive Experiences in Educational Relationships

2024 - 2025 Application Process

1. Students are referred by a BW Staff member and receive an invitation to apply for PEER.

2. Complete the application process by March 15, 2024 -  Application Form Link

   • Ask 2 staff members to complete a referral for you.

   • Staff Recommendation Form

3. Applicants will interview with Advisors and PEER Mentors. 

4. Selected students will work with their counselor to add it to their course schedule. 

Need PEER Support? 

• Student Request - PEER Meeting Pass Request 

• Staff Referral - PEER Lunch Buddy Request

PEER Advisors:

• Mr. Whitacre - Social Science and Global Studies Teacher & PEER Advisor (202) - Email Mr. Whitacre

• Mrs. Pond - School Counselor & PEER Advisor (School Counseling) - Email Mrs. Pond

• Ms. Holland - School Counselor & PEER Advisor (School Counseling) - Email Ms. Holland

• Mrs. Quimby - School Social Worker & PEER Advisor (School Counseling) - Email Mrs. Quimby

Who are we? 
PEER Helpers are students who are trained in basic counseling, listening, and communication skills. PEERS are available to talk with other students who may have a problem but don't want to talk with an adult. PEER members are selected through an interview process. The PEER class meets during the school day and is a non-credit class, so students must have room in their schedule to participate. 

In the past, the PEER class has sponsored:

• "Mix It Up Day" where students are asked to sit with someone new during lunch. 

• School-wide projects on Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Respect. 

• "Lunch Buddy" PEER takes new students to lunch.

• Mentors to elementary school students

• "Stress Less, Laugh More" Week before exams and SOLS

• At some schools, PEER provides peer support for students needing a peer to talk to

This year, PEER will meet during lunch blocks. After training, the PEER members will choose the special programs and ways they would like to build a strong school and student body.

Please note that this is not an academic tutoring program.

Outreach Videos - created by PEER students

Meet PEER (Video)  

2015 - 2016 BWHS PEER Mental Health Awareness Video

2014 - 2015 BWHS PEER Video - Promoting positive attitudes towards peers.

How can I meet with a PEER Helper?
If you would like to meet with a PEER Helper, see Mr. Whitacre (rm. 202), Mrs. Pond (School Counseling), Ms. Holland (School Counseling), Mrs. Quimby (School Counseling), or your school counselor. Arrangements will be made for you to meet with a PEER during school, usually on a B-Day lunch block. Remember, confidentiality is one of the keys to our program.

How does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality means that what is discussed with the PEER Helper will not be discussed with anyone else. 

Are there any situations in which confidentiality will not be kept?
Only if you indicate that you are in danger, you will hurt yourself, or if you will hurt someone else.

What kinds of problems can I talk about?
PEER Helpers can help with many different problems, including but not limited to relationships, family, grades, social media, bullying, grief, academic stress, and new student support.