Since the first quarter ended, the school has been heating up. While some students at MRHS do not have any trouble, others have started to feel that they need help either catching up or improving their grades. The Beyond School Hourshours program, made up of peers and teachers, aims to helpat helping students reach any academic goals they have. Recently, the Beyond School Hours program has started advertising, through flyers all around the building, as well as during the morning announcements, both detailing information about the program. The program is open to all students, and runs from 2:40-3:40 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. The program is separated into multiple rooms; each room has its own teacher, tutoring in their specialized subject. “[Some techniques students use are] one-on-oneone on one time with the teacher and working with other students to solve problems,” stated computer science teacher Ms. Alexander.
Teachers also employ a variety of techniques to help students get a better grasp on a subject they have trouble with. “My main idea is to provide a safe space to take chances and provide answers to questions that may not be correct,” expressed math teacher and tutor Mr. Storr.
Beyond simply existing as a place for students to learn more about a class they attend, Beyond School Hours can blossom into much more, potentially forming close bonds among students andas well as a sense of community.
“[Students attending Beyond School Hours] are there to clarify what they do not know, and improve their skills academically. This is what the group has in common with each other. The energy is built from what each person has to offer,” Storr expressed. While the Beyond School Hours program may seem like a short-termshort term solution, it can also teach students valuable life skills. “[Beyond School Hours] teaches students self-advocacy, which is a transferable life skill,” expressed English teacher Mr. Miller.
In addition to teaching life skills, after-schoolafter school tutoring can also change a student’s opinion on attending school, which can lead to them being more likely to pursue higher education.
“[After-schoolAfter school programs] give students the confidence to know they can actually succeed and move forward even if they have difficulties in their classes,” Alexander remarked.
Some students need more attention than others. The Beyond School Hours program gets them more invested in school while simultaneously helping them with problems.
“Showing a student that you care about them and their success is important and promotes them, [while] hopefully [helping them] become more vested in what they do and how they do it,” phrased Storr. After-schoolAfter-schoolAfter school programs like Beyond School Hours at MRHS can prepare students for the future, as well as invigorate any passions for a subject they may have lost. Something that seems as simple as just getting help with a subject can grow into much more, potentially developing a community with new friendships from a simple shared connection, all contributing to a more vibrant atmosphere at Marriotts Ridge.