Starting in 2017, Gates Middle School has been located on the same campus as the pre-existing high school. Middle School is a turning point for many children where they start switching classes, choosing electives, and making new relationships. Since the construction of the new middle school, sixth grade in Scituate has been included in the middle school, which undoubtedly poses concern regarding any impact of teenagers on children ages 11 to 13. Obviously, there is a difference between the maturity and experiences of high schoolers and middle schoolers. However, what was overlooked in this new arrangement were the possible pros of grouping together students of different age groups.  

Scituate High School National Honors Society has recently initiated tutoring sessions as an opportunity for middle school students to receive one-on-one homework help from an SHS senior. NHS advisors, Andrew Roberts, and Sharon Mohr, with the help from team D 7th-grade teache,rs have organized tutoring sessions available on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during NHS students last block classes. This a chance for 7th grade students to get help from a resource other than their teachers and form relationships with high school role models.  

During their last block studies, students in G, E or F block studies go over to Gates to meet with eighth students and help them with homework. Senior Katherine English has participated in this to help get her required hours, but saw benefits more than just her time. With her future plans of becoming a teacher, English accredits better communication skills with younger kids to help her be an effective teacher in the future. English also finds this time as a way to connect with the eighth graders, more so than talking over a math problem. She is able to “give life advice” beyond homework and help for high school.

Guidance Counselor, Sharon Moore, says this “peer to peer contact” influences more than a student’s homework completion for one day. Instead, the bond between student and tutor provides Gates middle schoolers with “excellent role models” that the kids may be more willing to listen to. Moore also credits NHS members with the ability to help Gates kids “be successful in high school” and become prepared for the rigorous workload that they can expect.  

The benefit from creating this relationship goes far beyond the academic assistance received by a Gates student. Instead, this reward of helping others and being able to provide guidance is rewarding to the tutor as well. As Moore describes it, “you give 100 percent, but get 150 percent back.” Thus far, Gates teachers have had nothing but positive things to say about the tutoring relationship that has been formed. This opportunity allows NHS students to complete meaningful hours of community service to fulfill the requirement. The hope for the future is that these relationships not only continue, but help better prepare and enforce expectations for high school and the future.