Through the launch of the peer tutoring programs in the Upper School, students live out Goal 2, “a deep respect for intellectual values,” and Goal 4, “the building of a community as a Christian value” of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. The Middle School Math Center provides a unique opportunity for Upper and Middle School students to collaborate and enhance their math skills, while Peer Writing Tutor Program allows upperclassmen to work with underclassmen on their essays. These programs foster an environment for learning and growth among Sacred Heart Greenwich students.
The Middle School Math Center focuses on building problem-solving and critical thinking skills. With Upper School students as their guides, Middle School students tackle challenging concepts. This program aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of math, make math more accessible, and promote joy for all students involved. The center also reinforces confidence in students’ math abilities.
The Middle School Math Center allows students to receive personalized support on Day 3, 4, 6, and 7 in the Middle School Commons. Whether students have a specific topic or want to strengthen their general math skills, math center tutors provide support and guidance. Tutors work with students one-on-one or in small groups to ensure they fully understand the material and feel confident in their math abilities.
The Peer Writing Tutor Program supports underclassmen in developing their writing skills through one-on-one sessions with juniors and seniors. The program aims to create a supportive space where freshman and sophomores can get feedback on writing assignments. Students attend peer tutoring sessions with one to two specific areas in mind for revision support.
To access the Peer Writing Tutor Program, underclassmen use a form on Google Classroom to be matched with a trained upperclassman tutor. Sessions are 20 minutes long and occur in the library during free periods.
The Peer Writing Tutor Program launched October 28. Senior Emily Shull, Editor-in-Chief of the King Street Chronicle, works as a peer writing tutor. Emily shared her motivations for joining this program.
“I wanted to become involved with the Peer Writing Tutor Program because I saw it as an extension of my love for words and the English language,” Emily said. “Ever since elementary school, I have known I wanted to be a writer. Thus, the English Peer Tutoring Program allows me to share my passion for writing and reading with other students and learn to be a better writer myself. ”
Emily explained how peer tutoring not only benefits the community but also enhances her passion and talent for writing. Through her experience supporting underclassmen, she discovers new perspectives on writing, which deepens her creativity and leadership skills.
“I think helping other students with their essays and assignments is a great way to improve your own writing,” Emily said. “Truly, the more you read, the better you write.”
Junior Clare Junius is a peer tutor who has embraced the new opportunities in math and writing programs. Clare expressed her passion for inspiring other students to develop a love for math and writing.
“Being a peer tutor has positively affected me because I get a chance to interact with younger members of the community and expand my own learning of how to explain concepts to others,” Clare said. “My favorite thing about being a peer tutor is seeing the look on [a] student’s faces when they figure out their mistakes and discover ways to improve them. Being a peer tutor helps me experience cross-grade and cross-division interactions, which allows me to connect with the younger members of the [Sacred Heart] community who I would not normally interact with.”
As these collaborative programs continue to flourish, they will strengthen bonds within the Sacred Heart community and promote a love for learning. Clare encouraged other students to join the peer tutoring programs.
“I would encourage all eligible members [of the Sacred Heart community] to get involved because there is nothing to lose from joining these new programs,” Clare said. “It’s only been a positive experience for me.”
Featured Image by Emma Mathews ’27
