LIVERMORE FALLS – Surveys were to be given to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders Friday asking if they want to participate in new student support groups.

“I’d like to start doing peer support groups at the middle school,” guidance counselor Grace Eaton said Thursday. “I really believe students can help one another. I’m going to survey students and see where interest lies.”

SAD 36 Superintendent Terry Despres told school directors Thursday that he was excited by the programs that would teach coping skills and dialogue skills.

The survey asks students if they’re interested in joining groups to discuss getting better grades, surviving a parental separation or divorce, living with someone who drinks too much, dealing death and dying, dealing with stress and how to relax, and dealing with conflicts in a positive way.

Eaton also asks students for feedback and what they are interested in talking about that might not be listed.

“I believe students can share experiences, give support, and help each other when facing common problems and life issues,” Eaton said.

She would like to have some groups meet during the day and some after school. She understands teachers do not like to have students pulled from classes, but she would like to set some times up during learning lab time and after school for students to meet to help one another by sharing, listening and giving support, she said.

“I’m totally in support of this, but I just want to make sure everybody involved knows it’s in confidentiality,” Director Ann Souther of Livermore Falls said.

That will be the first thing she will deal with, Eaton said.

“We know students have a difficult time keeping things confidential,” Eaton said, especially at middle school age. Students talk to close friends and don’t think about those friends talking to their own friends, she added.

“Can I tell you it won’t happen? No,” Eaton said.

But if she hears about anyone breaking confidentiality, she’ll speak to them, and if it’s true, they will be asked to leave the group, she said.

On a daily basis, Eaton said, she already deals one-on-one with students and their conflicts.

Directors voiced support for the groups.

“I think it is great,” Director Denise Rodzen of Livermore Falls said.

“I’m constantly reacting to today’s situations, and I want to be more proactive,” Eaton said.