Healthy Plymouth - Peer Helper Program Partnership
The Peer Helper Program is dedicated to teaching acceptance and tolerance by connecting older students with younger students for meaningful exchange. At the elementary level, fifth grade students apply for a position in the program to assist kindergarten through second graders with reading and math at the end of each school day. The relationships the students build with each other during this time help plant the seeds of respect, friendship and empathy that create a positive school climate and help build community.
The Peer Helper Program began in 2010 at Indian Brook Elementary School. Hedge Elementary, South Elementary, Federal Furnace Elementary and West Elementary are currently implementing the Peer Helper Program at their schools; and there is interest in expanding the program through high school.