Preparation Begins for Peer Teachers at North

          On Thursday Jan. 19, the Peer Teachers met up at Brunzwick Zone to bond before their overnight retreat at the ISC center. The retreat helps bring the group together and helps form a “family” of students at North.
          “[My favorite part of Peer Teaching is] the communication between everyone and just getting to know so many new people,” said junior Emily Recor.
          As a Peer Teacher, these juniors and seniors are chosen to help lead and direct students to live a safe and healthy lifestyle. This group gives kids a chance that connects others that have the will to stand up for what is right and that are responsible.  The program builds prevention skills that support a safe and drug-free lifestyle both for the high school student teaching the lessons and the middle school student receiving the lessons.
          “[Being a Peer Teacher] has made me realize how much the people in my life actually mean to me. It has made me realize how the little things in life matter the most,” said senior Luke Graham.
          The group comes together to talk about what’s happening in their lives and what people can do to make it better. The retreats help form teamwork, bonding, and friendships. Back in November, the group had an all-day retreat at Camp Wyman. All four Parkway schools met up at this camp to do team building activities, have share groups, and have fun as a big group. The Peer Teaching Program strengthens the importance of making healthy choices and being drug-free.
          “It’s nice to see that high school students can change younger kid’s perspectives on being drug and alcohol free ,” said Recor.
          From now and into February, the Peer Teachers will partake in trainings which will prepare them to teach four lessons to the Parkway 7th grade students.

Written by Joe Shaughnessy