Henry Sibley Students Tutor District 197 Elementary Students

Students in Alison Footh’s Youth Leadership class at are giving back to their community by tutoring elementary students in District 197.

The class requires that students complete a tutoring or mentoring experience, and Henry Sibley students are using this component of the class as an opportunity to serve as positive role models for younger students in the district.

The collaboration began last school year when fourth grade teacher Mary Jo Skemp contacted Footh to see if any Henry Sibley students would be interested in working with Mendota students after school, which is the last class period of the day at Henry Sibley.

“I was finding that some of my students’ optimum work time was right after school, and by the time they got home and to their work they were tired and not as productive,” said Skemp.

At that time, four students from Henry Sibley’s Youth Leadership class began going to Mendota during their seventh hour to work one-on-one or two-on-one with students, keeping them focused and giving instructional support when needed.

“I saw great improvement in the fourth graders’ completion and quality of work, and all of the students developed a close bond,” said Skemp. “They loved working with the older students and would wait for them at the door.”

The program has since grown to thirty-three Henry Sibley Youth Leadership students volunteering in elementary classrooms throughout District 197 this school year.

“Our class focuses on teen leadership, setting goals, and being role models,” said Footh of the Youth Leadership class. “The skills that students learn in Youth Leadership all come together when they tutor younger students, and students come alive when they see the impact they’re making.”

Two Henry Sibley students even extended their tutoring experience and are working with four Mendota students this spring. “It’s great that these students are still tutoring even when they don’t have to and just because they enjoy doing it,” said Footh. “That really shows that despite all of their other commitments, helping others is still important.”

Source: District 197