On Nov. 18, South started to offer additional academic help after school. The Blue Devil Learning Center gathers every Monday and Wednesday in South’s Library from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. This new opportunity provides tutoring from teachers and NHS students, a quiet environment to do homework and a coffee corner.
“The Learning Center is a safe place for students to get their homework done after school, get some tutoring from peers or from teachers that they might need some further assistance in,” Vice Principal Daniel Hyliard said. “Or, you know, grab a coffee and just collaborate and hang out.”
The teachers who are providing tutoring cover most subjects. These teachers include Peter Loch, Shannon Singer, Charity Hyliard and Donn Bacon. NHS students will also provide assistance.
“We are going to utilize our national honor society members where they can work and assist students in particular areas that they may excel in,” Hyliard said.
With all the different ways to get tutoring and do homework, there is not only a positive difference for students but also for teachers. They get a new teaching experience and a way to build connections.
“My hopes are just to be able to build relationships with students and to be able to help them improve academically,” Loch said. “That’s kind of our goal here at South: to make students feel welcome, supported and help them achieve their goals.”
While there is always the hope to help bring grades up, that is not the main focus. The main goal is to create a safe environment and help students create positive routines in their lives.
“The goal is not necessarily to increase grades, per say, the goal is to create a routine for students that might not otherwise have it right,” Hyliard said. “Like, after school on these days, I can get homework done or I can get help if I need help from a peer or I can collaborate with my group after school in a safe place where we can all meet.”
With this, there is a chance for students to build new relationships with not only their peers but also their teachers. Students will also have someone to ask questions and get help from.
“I think it’ll be beneficial to me to go and ask for help,” Luna Tomaselli Sfalcin ’26 said. “Even if it’s small things, because getting help with a small thing just makes me a better student.”
