A new program hosted by the National Honor Society provides students with virtual tutoring in the midst of distance learning. 

Through the online platform, Zoom, students from all grade levels can meet with peer tutors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to receive homework help. “We have students doing Algebra Readiness, Geometry and Pre-Calculus and these students will be referred to the tutoring by our teachers,” Ms. Mancilla, the NHS Advisor, said. 

Because the return to school is still unknown, the service offered by the NHS students has helped bridge the gap between students who need additional assistance while attending school online. As mentioned in a video update from Superintendent Beutner, “Schools need to plan for fewer student interactions with each other and with staff.”

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, NHS plans to continue online tutoring throughout the summer. “We are going to continue to run tutoring during the summer. If schools continue to be closed at the start of the year, we are still going to offer tutoring via Zoom,” Mancilla said.

While the model of online tutoring is new to students, it has been described as an effective method for the current situation. With the help of technology, students have the chance to engage one-on-one with peer tutors via breakout rooms. 

For students interested in signing up, all that is required is the completion of a google form. From there, an NHS member will email each student to schedule a date and time to meet. “Then on the day of the meeting, both the NHS member and the student will log into the Zoom meeting and Ms. Mancilla will assign them a breakout room,” Wendy Caldera, NHS President, said. 

Despite not being able to interact with peers in person, programs such as the one provided by the NHS students helps peers continue learning online. “I feel like tutoring online is a great way for students to get help during the pandemic,” eighth-grader, Aleena Monge, said.