With help from local organizations, Muncie schools are encouraging their students to become better at learning and teaching through a program called Acts of Kindness.
Student participants assume different roles and responsibilities. As peer tutors, they help other students with their homework and improve their own study skills at the same time.
"I've learned even though you're here to help others, you end up helping yourself," said Lynel Curd, a sixth-grader at Wilson Middle School, 2000 S. Franklin St.
The popularity of the tutoring, also known as study tables, is growing within Wilson Middle School.
"We have had way more kids here than in the beginning," said Jena Ashby, the program coordinator of Acts of Kindness through A Better Way, a Muncie domestic violence center.
By establishing such programs in the schools early in the lives of students, Ashby said she hopes what students learn will stay with them into adulthood and help prevent violence.
Donnie Hyso, a student at Wilson Middle School, said, "I think this has helped me a lot in my communications skills and understanding others' views."
Two Muncie schools are involved with the program as it reaches the halfway point of its first year. At Northside Middle School, 2400 Bethel Ave., about 20 students participate as peer mentors and tutors. Wilson Middle School has about 25 students involved.
Ball State freshmen Keri Hatfield and Matt Salmon work as volunteers for the program at Wilson Middle School. Both are education majors.
"It gives the kids a chance to have supervised time for homework," Hatfield said. "I think it's a good idea."
The program helps students learn leadership skills and use them to help those around them. Students plan out ways they can help people by setting a goal and carrying it out.
The participating students also gain an understanding and acceptance of their peers.
"Most of the kids aren't talked to because of how they look on the outside, when inside they're really nice," sixth-grader Kristy Sherrel said. "That's not right."
The program is funded by a three-year grant through the Department of Justice. The grant funds costs such as gift certificates and other incentives for the participants who attend the after-school program.
Acts of Kindness participants also help their peers work out problems in the schools such as arguments or fighting. Peer mediators are given a three-day training session about how to deal with problems between students.
"I've learned to get along with people and I have a lot more friends," said Brandee Wilber, an eighth-grader at Wilson Middle School. "I've grown as a person."
"The whole goal is to increase the level of kindness to other people in the school setting and have a positive impact on the community," Ashby said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
