NHS Members Offer New Tutoring Program

As of late, members of the National Honors Society (NHS) have begun offering tutoring sessions to struggling students. Advisor Joseph Cremona explains, “The National Honor Society is a service organization…The members have to fulfill characteristics of its pillars, and one of the ways in which they can do so is by tutoring people, depending on their needs.” 

On either Tuesday or Thursday during lunch, students can go to the Library/Media Center to be partnered up with a tutor. “There are three tutors assigned to a block,” explains Cremona. “I think that this allows students to feel a little bit more comfortable because there’s a few students to choose from instead of just one being available.” Sometimes students may feel more at ease being tutored by someone they’re more familiar with, or would prefer help from someone not of the opposite gender. 

According to Cremona, the tutors are free to utilize their own classroom materials in the tutoring process, as well as talk to teachers. “They have access to the teachers just to kind of pick their brain as to like what the goal or objective of that assignment is, just so that they can make sure that they’re not veering too far from what the teacher wanted from them.” Tutor Isabella Mattiazzi reiterates this, “With the students that I work with, I usually have a chat with their teachers at lunchtime or any free time, and I just ask them what the students need help with specifically.” 

Each tutor was asked to fill out a Google form clarifying which classes they’ve taken, and which ones they feel most confident teaching. Cremona believes that being able to teach a subject is the highest level of understanding one can achieve, polishing the skills of academically-talented students as well as teaching them how to work with others who may not be of the same level as them. 

So how does a student get tutoring? “I asked my guidance counselor about the program because I already knew about it, and she hooked me up with someone…she called me down to her office and was like, ‘Hey, this is your tutor,’” Junior Haley Papeo said. “Usually the day before a session we would text, confirming that we’re going to meet at the library. If I have a test coming up, I break down the review packet with her. If I don’t, I go over homework for the week and any problems that I have trouble with.” This individualized learning and feedback can potentially grow communication skills and help students better themselves with fresh perspectives. 

Cremona anticipates continuing the program into next year. This program being so readily available for all students can hopefully help de-stigmatize tutoring, fostering a healthier relationship with education. Mattiazzi advises any students who need tutoring but are hesitant to reach out: “Don’t be scared. I know you might think it’s embarrassing but I promise you nobody’s gonna care in the future…It’s better to have your own academics in line than to worry about what other people think.”