There are 140 students who are involved in SSU, Students Stepping Up, and out of those 140, nearly 100 of them go and help students at the elementary schools though out the Buffalo Hanover Montrose school district.
Monday, October 26, was the first day all SSU helpers went to the elementary schools. They go every Monday, Wednesday or Friday throughout the whole school year and help the students in the same classroom they were assigned to.
Social Studies teacher Tracy Hulley is the adviser for SSU, this year being her 12 year. SSU has been going to all Elementary schools though out the district for 10 years now.
This years SSU is the biggest its ever been, hitting 300 members. There are nearly 150 students that want to help out in the Elementary schools, but only 100 of them are placed for helping because of the number of teachers throughout the district who need or want them.
“The elementary teachers always give positive feedback,” said Hulley. “I don’t think the high school students realize how much of an impact they make on those younger kids, its great.”
Junior Sadie Holland helps out in Susie Lommel’s third grade class at Northwinds Elementary. It is Hollands second year helping the elementary students.
“I love helping the elementary students,” said Holland. “I want to work with children in my career i intend to pursue and its so rewarding knowing that I’m making an impact on their lives by helping them in whatever way possible.”
SSU members are involved in other activities though out the year. One other big one is the hat and mitten drive, where they bring donated hats and mittens to the Elementary schools and the Elementary advisor then gives them to the families in need of the items. SSU also does the valentine hugs and kisses drive at school during the week of Valentines Day.
“Most students enjoy going to help, and it feels good,” said Hulley. “and t helps some students figure out what kind of career they want to pursue.”
