Elementary School Peer Leadership Program

What do Gainfield Guides, Long Meadow Leaders, Middlebury Elementary Friendly Helpers and Pomperaug Pals all have in common?  They are all Region 15, elementary school, peer leadership programs.        

            Each group is comprised of 5th grade students who work with their school’s Counseling Department on service projects for the school and the community.  The service projects vary by school and by the needs and opportunities that arise locally, nationally and internationally.  

            The program was initiated in the early nineties, under the name Friendly Helpers, by Gainfield Elementary School Guidance Counselor, Sherida Cocchiola.  Having worked with similar peer leadership groups at the middle and high school levels, Ms. Cocchiola thought the program would be beneficial at the elementary level.

            Over time, each group took on their own identity with a name appropriate to their school.   Each program is run a little differently with varying annual activities.  The criteria for membership, however, are the same at each of the Region’s four elementary schools.           

            All members of these groups serve as model students for their school and community.  Candidates for membership must consistently demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior to self and others.  They must possess the ability to follow school rules, be friendly, kind, committed and a hard working student.  At some schools, a parent, guardian or teacher must confirm these attributes and recommend a student for membership.

            According to Pomperaug Elementary School guidance counselors Stefanie Clifford and Kathleen Soltesz, candidates for Pomperaug Pals are asked to write a few paragraphs stating why they think they should be selected for membership.

            In his application essay, Pomperaug Elementary School fifth grader, Patrick Sullivan wrote, “Being friendly and kind to everyone is something that is important to me.  Many times I have seen another student all alone and asked them to join my group.  I think that is a good way to be kind to someone.”

              Since becoming a Pomperaug Pal, Patrick reports, “The group has taught me to reach above and beyond what you can do to help and be kind to others,” he said.                

            Each group has evolved with time and the introduction of new guidance professionals.  At Long Meadow Elementary, new school guidance counselor, Stacey Zwick, has divided her Long Meadow Leaders into two groups.  The “School and County” group will work on projects to benefit the school while the “Country and Community” group will address community and worldwide needs.

             “I had so many kids who applied for the program,” explained Ms. Zwick.  “There is so much enthusiasm amongst them and they come to the table with fabulous ideas.  They genuinely want to help others,” she said.

            At Middlebury Elementary School, counselor Karen Kemp still calls her group, Friendly Helpers.  Each year her Friendly Helpers are paired with new students to the school in grades K through 5.  The Helpers spend time getting to know new students by offering friendship, guidance and a good listening ear.

            “The kids are so insightful,” says Ms. Kemp.   “I learn so much from my Friendly Helpers about what may be going on with a new student and if they are having trouble adjusting to their new environment.  This program helps train kids to be good listeners to each other,” she said.

            Several of the leadership groups help during kindergarten orientation, by showing kindergarten students around their new school making them feel welcome.   Role play is introduced at one of the schools where senior citizens and students exchange ideas on proper responses to challenging social situations.

            Raising money for disaster relief victims and local fuel banks, filling Thanksgiving baskets, gathering clothes and toys for tots, helping youngsters select holiday gifts for family members and playing Bingo and making crafts with the elderly are just a few examples of what these peer leaders do throughout the year.

            Come spring each of the four school groups join with peer leaders from the middle schools and high school for a day of fun and learning.  While being introduced to the peer leadership groups at the next level of education, students socialize and play games that incorporate team building skills. 

            Helpers, Guides, Leaders or Pals, whatever they are called, each group has laid a foundation for lifelong good citizenship.