HELPING OUT — The student aide program at John Gregg Elementary School grew to include 57 students last school year. The program, in its fourth year, saw students assisting in classrooms and the school office. Chanelle Patterson was among the students who performed their respective duties in the kindergarten program. -- Contributed

BERGHOLZ — John Gregg Elementary School seemed to find success by offering a student aide program at its building.

The program gives fifth- and sixth-graders an opportunity to help officials throughout the building.

Last school year saw the program in its fourth year, and was led by guidance counselor Tiffany Moses.

Moses explained the concept has rapidly expanded to include a dozen pupils who assist in classrooms and in the office on a regular basis.

Last September, 57 students applied to fill the roles for the school year, which are supervised by educators.

Positions include assisting within preschool and kindergarten classes, during lunch, in the library, for morning and afternoon announcements, in the secretary’s office, with the school nurse, with lunch count, during art, technology and music; for its food program, with recycling, attendance, counseling and with its preschool drop-offs and pickups.

“I taught the students weekly, and in the first week of social-emotional learning class, we went over the positions and I gave out applications,” Moses said. “They apply for positions they are interested in, and the person supervising the role chooses the student.”

Pupils can 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 to prepare them to contribute to society. The experience also places students in a leadership positions throughout the building and introduces them to a job-ready skill of the application process. It has also helped to increase students’ self-esteem through building responsibility and their success at job skills.

Moses noted the program began with 12 aides during the 2021-22 school year. It nearly quintupled during the last school year. An estimated 66 percent of the fifth- and sixth-grade classes participated, she noted. The school had 15 staff members volunteer their time to supervise the students during the duration of the program.

“It has actually grown every single year,” Moses said, adding last year had the most students participating. “It puts kids in a leadership position and they learn more than academics, they learn life skills. They learn job-readiness skills and how to help their community. They love it. A lot of teachers are willing to supervise and volunteer their time because the students really help.”

The program added multiple positions last year, including preschool class aides, as the kindergarten posts have been so successful. Moses said the upperclassmen establish camaraderie with the youngest pupils, so it inspires 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,” Moses continued. “The students do a fabulous job and are so responsible and helpful. They take it very seriously.”

Chanelle Patterson and Nolan Powell were sixth-grade aides who gave their time to the project last year. Each said they ejoyed the experience.

“It builds a better bond with children,” Patterson recalled. She worked with kindergarten pupils, saying she may be interested in seeking a career in early childhood education, one day.

Powell, who assisted with the recycling program, stated he learned a lot about helping the environment through the opportunity he received at John Gregg.

“It’s made me want to have a stronger work ethic,” he said.