Peer Helpers applying leadership skills
By Jordan McDonald
Posted March 26, 2015
Peer Helpers is a program where the upperclassmen have the opportunity to be a mentor to the younger kids at school. “If you’re a student interested in helping others, this would be a great program for you,” said Mrs. Kaiser.
Instead of seeking help from an adult at the school, they get to meet with their assigned peer that help them with school work and any problems they have been having. They work on mentoring the selected seventh- and eighth-grade students. Peer Helpers want to make sure mentees trusts them. This means keeping the time together confidential.
“I wanted to be in Peer Helpers because it looked like a lot of fun watching older Peer Helpers participate in it,” said Samantha Boyd. This is her first year in Peer Helpers. She also said that she really wanted to experience what it would be like to build a friendship with a younger student. They do many activities including a Halloween cookie party, the new student picnic, monthly games, and an annual retreat. The only time outside of school is the retreat.
It takes a lot to be in Peer Helpers. They have to make sure to meet with their mentees as much as possible. “It takes a lot and is stressful at times, but it is a very rewarding experience,” Boyd said. It takes a lot of skills including being a good listener, strong leadership, and patience.
This year, Peer Helpers is not only accepting applications from sophomores, they are also going to give the juniors another chance at applying. This will provide students with another chance to get in if they didn’t last year. “We are trying to focus more on leadership in the school,” said Kaiser. Peer Helpers is a time commitment and being committed to the student you're assigned to and being a positive role model is very important. Applications are now available and the deadline is March 27.
Posted March 26, 2015
Peer Helpers is a program where the upperclassmen have the opportunity to be a mentor to the younger kids at school. “If you’re a student interested in helping others, this would be a great program for you,” said Mrs. Kaiser.
Instead of seeking help from an adult at the school, they get to meet with their assigned peer that help them with school work and any problems they have been having. They work on mentoring the selected seventh- and eighth-grade students. Peer Helpers want to make sure mentees trusts them. This means keeping the time together confidential.
“I wanted to be in Peer Helpers because it looked like a lot of fun watching older Peer Helpers participate in it,” said Samantha Boyd. This is her first year in Peer Helpers. She also said that she really wanted to experience what it would be like to build a friendship with a younger student. They do many activities including a Halloween cookie party, the new student picnic, monthly games, and an annual retreat. The only time outside of school is the retreat.
It takes a lot to be in Peer Helpers. They have to make sure to meet with their mentees as much as possible. “It takes a lot and is stressful at times, but it is a very rewarding experience,” Boyd said. It takes a lot of skills including being a good listener, strong leadership, and patience.
This year, Peer Helpers is not only accepting applications from sophomores, they are also going to give the juniors another chance at applying. This will provide students with another chance to get in if they didn’t last year. “We are trying to focus more on leadership in the school,” said Kaiser. Peer Helpers is a time commitment and being committed to the student you're assigned to and being a positive role model is very important. Applications are now available and the deadline is March 27.