Aliso Niguel High School’s Student-to-Student Program kicked off with resounding success on Oct. 5. The program’s goal is to help new students transition smoothly into the school and make connections with their peers.
The program, run by experienced students as volunteers and organized by Ms. Villasenor, aims to make a positive impact on the school community. Ms. Villasenor and volunteers are all excited about the program starting back up again.
Ms. Villasenor, head of the English Language Development department, commented, “The idea for the program came from the school’s administration, who recognized that new students sometimes struggle to adjust to the school’s culture and make friends.”
Ms. Villasenor and the volunteers are very eager to help out and make a positive impact on the school community.
The first session of the program was held during Wolverine Plus in the library, with both new and returning students in attendance. The volunteers helped out students with various needs in different subjects and participated in small group discussions with the English learner students.
This allowed everyone to get to know one other and feel more comfortable to collaborate and help each other out. The atmosphere was welcoming and everyone seemed to be enjoying the time while learning simultaneously.
Some students who attended this session stated, “We are very impressed with the program and are happy that we get to be a part of it.”
They appreciated the opportunity to meet other students and learn more about the school. They also felt more confident about navigating the school and making friends.
The Student-to-Student Program will continue throughout the school year, with sessions held once a week in the library. The volunteers and Ms. Villasenor are already planning on taking steps to improve the program and its efficiency, and they look forward to seeing it grow.
Ms. Villasenor hopes the program will become a fundamental part of the school’s culture and continue to help new students feel welcomed and supported. The Student-to-Student program is off to a great start, and it is clear that it is already making a positive impact on the school community.
This program helps the students who are volunteering to earn volunteer hours and they will also be eligible to get one of their college recommendation letters from the English Language Development department. The volunteers are excelling at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, and the new students are in turn benefiting from their efforts.
