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7th Graders Support Functional Core Program Students

7th Graders Support Functional Core Program Students

Young Leaders in Action: Seventh Graders Support Functional Core Program Students

Meet the Faithful Always Here Ones, a group of seventh grade scholars from Evergreen Elementary who visit the Functional Core Program (FCP) class every day to offer support and build meaningful connections with FCP students.

Depending on the day’s activities, the student volunteers read books, play games, build puzzles, practice math skills, or engage in conversations with FCP scholars. These interactions help FCP students strengthen their socialization skills in a welcoming, peer‑supported environment. The volunteer group also assists with guiding FCP students in from the school bus each morning, during lunch time, and more.

“That’s a huge part of what they do, because the FCP students are interacting with peers their own age,” said teacher Special Ed teacher Kathleen Starr. “This is very important for their progress, and it helps bring out their abilities.”

Evergreen Middle School FCP and seventh grade volunteer students with school staff.

For the student volunteers, the experience has been just as impactful. Some volunteers are interested in becoming Special Education teachers in the future, and their daily visits provide firsthand insight into what teaching looks like and the dedication it takes to work in special education.

“Since September, when we started, the student I’ve been working with has made a lot of progress. He speaks now for the first time in his life,” shared Chiara, one of the student volunteers. “I’m very happy to be here.”

Myla, another student volunteer, reflected on her experience, saying that after just three months of volunteering with FCP, “I’ve learned that we should help others when they need it.” She added, “It helps me focus more knowing that I have something to look forward to, and that I get to help other people learn while I’m learning too.”

“The FCP scholars feel welcome and more integrated into the school community,” said Evergreen Assistant Principal Nadine Daniel.

The idea for seventh graders to volunteer with FCP students began at the end of the last school year during a meaningful moment, when Chiara visited the class to ask students to sign her yearbook. Along with Ms. Starr and Ms. Daniel, the group developed a plan to continue those connections during the new school year through shared reading and daily visits. The program has since grown into a successful partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Two Evergreen Middle School students interacting in the FCP classroom.

 

Two students building a puzzle in the Evergreen Middle School FCP classroom.

 

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