Creating Community Through Mentorship at Greensboro Academy

The scholars at Greensboro Academy receive many opportunities to connect across grade levels throughout the school year. Each month brings a new theme which is coordinated with academics, Moral Focus, and seasonal celebrations. The school has outperformed the local school district for the past 15 years.
 
Greensboro Kindergarten teacher Anne Shaw wrote about her most recent experience with seventh-grade students helping her young scholars:
 
In January, seventh-grade students visited the kindergarten hallway with the goal of assisting their young buddies in making snowflakes, as well as continuing to foster their mentor/mentee relationships. According to one seventh-grade student, “It feels good to see them succeed, and know it was because of my help.”
 
In prior months, students have read stories, completed art projects, and even decorated cookies. It leaves a lasting impression to see the faces of kindergarten students light up when they catch a glimpse of their middle school buddy. When asked what he liked about the experience, one kindergarten student stated, “Parker is my friend! I like how he helps me learn stuff; it’s fun!”
 
As educators, we know that any opportunity to make learning fun for our students is beneficial for all involved. Being that one of the best ways for knowledge to become ingrained is by taking the time to teach it to others, the buddy classrooms at GA are achieving positive results for the older students as well as the younger.
 
When we work together to make academic and social success a schoolwide effort, we are demonstrating a sense of community and shared responsibility that creates an environment where students can collaborate and support one another. In the words of Henry Ford, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."
 
Great work Mrs. Shaw and everyone at Greensboro!
About Greensboro Academy
Greensboro Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Greensboro, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

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