In the Kiski Area School District, students tutoring students benefits both

There was fraction action happening Tuesday at Kiski Area Upper Elementary School.

Fifth-grader Kolton McKain met with Kiski Area High School 10th-grader Kayla Mull after school for one-on-one math tutoring — part of a new After School Mentorship tutoring program.

“I couldn’t imagine trying to learn fifth-grade math online — it’s a critical time for learning,” Kayla said.

Kayla is one of about 13 Key Club students from Kiski Area High School offering weekly peer tutoring for about an hour to fifth- and sixth-grade students seeking additional help in core subjects such as math, social studies, English and language arts.

The collaboration was driven by covid-19 conditions, said Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander.

“We have some learners that are struggling in the environment during the pandemic,” Swartzlander said.

Fifth-grade teachers Annette Plazio and Deanna Maag are co-organizers and moderate the tutoring sessions held every Tuesday in the Upper Elementary cafeteria.

Participating students in fifth and sixth grades can receive tutoring virtually or in-person.

Participating Key Club members accrue volunteer hours required for graduation in exchange for their tutoring services, while the younger students get help with their classwork.

“We think it’s a great opportunity,” Swartzlander said. “We call it ‘extension and intervention’ because our younger kids are getting intervention and the high school kids are extending and offering tutoring.”

Tutoring will be offered weekly until the end of the school year scheduled for June 4. Swartzlander said the program may expand to two days in the future.

Plazio said students collaborating has mutual benefits.

“It’s a win-win because the high school kids are helping in the community, and they’re learning that they can make a difference no matter what their age is. And the younger kids are getting one-on-one attention,” Plazio said.