In a new project, the Laker Leadership Council is assisting teachers at the middle school and forming friendships with students at ILMS.
Senior Cheyenne Hill presented her idea earlier this fall to Superintendent Rob Underwood and the rest of the Council members.
“I started off volunteering my time (I have half days) at the middle school. After talking to some of the staff members it was very apparent that more help was needed, not just for the staff, but the students as well. I knew that there were other kids, like me, at the high school who would have the time and be willing to help out.”
Hill worked with the administration at ILHS and ILMS to connect willing high school students who have a late arrival or study hall time with middle school classrooms. They started with an organized schedule on November 1st.
Hill explains, “The goal is to give students homework help, assist them in completing missing or late assignments, offer one-on-one tutoring, and just build relationships between the younger students and accomplished high school kids.”
Currently there are 11 high school students participating 2-3 days a week for approximately an hour and a half at a time. They assist in classes ranging from math and language arts to band.
“My hope is that this project will stick around for future years and allow for relationship building that can be beneficial when middle school kids get into high school. I also hope that this can take some pressure off of staff members, with the shortage of substitute teachers and aides at this time.”
After Christmas Break, Hill hopes to extend the project to the elementary school as well.