John Gregg Elementary School is finding success with its student aides program that gives fifth- and sixth-graders opportunities to assist throughout the building.
Now in its fourth year, the program led by guidance counselor Tiffany Moses has rapidly expanded to include dozens of pupils who assist in classrooms and the office on a regular basis. Moses said 57 students applied for roles in September and educators have supervised them in myriad positions, including preschool and kindergarten classes, lunch, library, morning and afternoon announcements, secretary’s office, school nurse, lunch count, art, technology, music, food program, recycling, attendance, preschool drop-offs and pickups and counseling.
“I teach the kids weekly, and in the first week of social-emotional learning (SEL) class we go over the positions and I give out applications,” she said. “They apply for positions they are interested in and the person supervising the role chooses the student.”
Pupils may work daily or weekly performing tasks such as gathering preschoolers during morning drop-off and afternoon pickups; providing school supplies to teachers from the office; reading and performing activities with preschool and kindergarten classes; gathering materials for recycling; and making morning and afternoon announcements. Moses said the purpose was to connect students to something positive at John Gregg as well as prepare them to contribute to society, plus it places students in leadership positions throughout the building and introduces them to a job-ready skill of the application process. In addition, it helps increase students’ self-esteem through building responsibility and success at job skills.
She noted that the program began with 12 aides during the 2021-22 school and nearly quintupled to its current number, while an estimated 66 percent of the fifth- and sixth-grade classes participate. In addition, 15 staff members volunteer their time to supervise the youth for the duration of the program.
“It has actually grown every single year and this year is the most. It puts kids in a leadership position and they learn more than academics; they learn life skills,” she continued. “They learn job-readiness skills and how to help their community. They love it and a lot of teachers are willing to supervise and volunteer their time because the students really help.”
This year, the program added multiple positions such as preschool class aides because the kindergarten posts have been so successful. Moses said the upperclassmen establish camaraderie with the youngest pupils and it may also inspire the older students to pursue a related field in the future.
“The children can consider if they want to work in preschool, kindergarten or even nursing. The students do a fabulous job and are so responsible and helpful. They take it very seriously.”
Sixth-grade students Chanelle Patterson and Nolan Powell are among the aides giving their time, and they said they have been enjoying the experience.
“It builds a better bond with children,” said Patterson, who works with kindergarten students and added that she may seek a career in early childhood education one day.
Powell, who assists with the recycling program, said he’s learned a lot about helping the environment through his work.
“It’s made me want to have a stronger work ethic,” he commented.