Buddy Up

By Lisa and Madeline Shin

Interview with Mrs. Billings, the Buddy Up program coordinator:

Buddy Up is an after school peer tutoring program, in which Wood Hill mentors form grades 6,7, and 8 along with a few high school alumni offer homework help and games to High Plain students. Originally, Buddy Up was only for the High Plain students that were learning to speak English, but now, any High Plain student can participate in the program. This program was started at WHMS during the winter of 2013 by a group of bilingual students in Mrs. Billings' class. They wanted to be role models to younger kids, who were learning English. Initially progress was a little slow, as they gained only twelve members in the first year. Fortunately, last year, the program grew to about 90 members. This year, Buddy Up has already gained 26 new members.

This program helps build a relationship between the Wood Hill Mentors and the younger High Plain students. The Mentors learn how to be patient and kind, while the younger students learn new skills! It’s basically a win-win! The Buddy Up motto is “I can show you how to do something, but I can’t do it for you.” Not only that, the Buddy Up mentors make sure not to put any pressure on the elementary children. This helps the elementary students learn that failing isn’t that bad, and it makes Buddy Up more exciting to go to. 

Just for a little shoutout, the Buddy Up program wants more boy mentors for the younger students who are boys. The boys feel more comfortable with mentors who are their same gender. Also, you can join the Buddy Up program anytime you want, as long as it fits your schedule just pick up your application form from Mrs. Billings.