Good Things
This year the junior high students have an exciting
opportunity. We have been working in coordination with Central Elementary to
provide opportunities to help and serve others. Junior high students in 5th
or 6th period study hall are able to walk up to Central and help
with recess. This has turned out better than anyone expected it to be!
Studies have shown that cross-grade mentoring
has a positive impact on all parties involved. It influences academic
achievement, behavior, feelings and attitudes. I look forward to seeing the
positive changes in our students. It is already obvious! When the students
return from volunteering they are all smiles and full of energy. It has also made
them better at time management. Students enjoy helping at recess so much that
they plan out their homework schedule and study hall time to make room for
everything. It has been wonderful to see the development of character and
responsibility in our students. The students love the break in the day, they
enjoy spending time with the younger kids, they have an incentive to maintain
their grades, and they feel good about themselves!
The feedback I have received from Central Elementary has also
been positive. The younger kids look up to the junior high students. They enjoy
spending time with our kids. The behavior at recess is better when our kids are
there.
This program has turned into something kids can be proud of.
I hope to be able to expand on this and continue it for years to come.
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