Chartiers Valley high-schoolers tutor younger students through TLCV program

Brennan Calloway’s eyes light up and a smile stretches across his face when Paige Banas enters Chartiers Valley Primary School.

He and Paige, a Chartiers Valley High School senior, do a secret handshake before starting a lesson together.

About 20 students from Chartiers Valley High School venture across the street at least twice a week to the primary school to work one-on-one with youngsters in kindergarten through second grade through the district’s TLCV program, which stands for teamwork, leadership, caring and volunteering. They form bonds and the older students help to inspire a younger generation of Colts, while offering differentiated instruction for students who might be ahead or behind of their peers in an area, or those who would benefit from having a buddy in class for an hour.

“It brightens both of our days. It’s fun for both of us, even though we’re working hard,” said Paige, 17.

The TLCV program was launched in the district 12 years ago by Maryellen Kerr with high school teacher Kathy Yamatani. Megan Mouas, school counselor, took over the primary school portion of the program last year.

After the bell rings at the end of the day at the high school, around 2:30 p.m., tutors walk across the street and spend an hour with the primary students.

The program offers an opportunity for the older students to hone leadership skills while volunteering their time and supporting younger students.

High school students interested in participating must complete a robust application process.

“They’re stepping outside of their comfort zone,” Mouas said.

For the primary students, having an older peer working with them allows them to get individualized instruction to meet their needs, and it raises their self-esteem to have a positive relationship with a “cool” high school kid, she added.

“It’s nice for the high school students and the children,” Mouas said.

Junior Breanna Tuskan, 16, said she volunteered because she likes being around children.

“They make everything so fun,” she said.

Kindergarten teacher Sheila Shoats said the youngsters love learning from a high school student.

Paige, who started volunteering with the program three years ago, said it helped her realize that she wants to become a teacher.

“I just like helping them,” she said. “I think it helps me as much as it helps them.”

Paige and Brennan have formed a bond. She now babysits him and his siblings in the summer and often talks with his mom to make sure he’s doing his homework.

As he excels in class, Paige feels a sense of pride.

Paige brings worksheets from her classes to show the younger kids the work they will someday have to do.

She also sees development in herself, as she sits through the youngsters’ lessons that she was taught many years ago.

“Whenever I come down here, if I’m having a bad day, they’re always so happy,” she said. “Their energy just radiates off into me, and it makes my day a little brighter, too.”