Houston Academy, Victory Early College High School Form Mentoring Partnership

Disponible en: Español

Houston Academy and Victory Early College High School have developed a mentoring partnership known as Students Helping Students to provide academic support for the intermediate students in math and reading while establishing a mentor relationship with the high school students. The Victory Early College High students receive community service hours for assisting the intermediate students. Currently, there are 21 Victory Early College High student volunteers assisting Houston Academy students. The high school students volunteer after school and on Saturdays.

The partnership has been a positive experience for both the high school and intermediate school students.

“It was a great experience working with the kids,” stated high school mentor Elizabeth Luna. “They’re all great kids and with hard work they can go places.”

Jonathan Macías of Victory added, “Although at first I was reluctant, I found volunteering at Houston Academy very interesting and surprisingly fun.”

“It was a wonderful experience,” expressed Selena Samudio, a Victory Early College High student. “I came on a Saturday to help the kids prepare for STAAR. The kids were great and very smart.”

“I really enjoyed the experience of tutoring the kids,” related high school mentor Christa Lazard. “I loved getting to see the kids I taught actually learn the material.”

Several Houston Academy students also expressed how they enjoyed working with the high school students.

“The Victory students were great and helped me with stuff I didn’t know and taught me things I didn’t understand,” stated Kristazion Gonzales.

“They taught me new things to do,” commented Halie Riley. “It was different than working with my teacher because they already knew as students what to teach me, and they were very kind.”

“I felt good when the Victory students were tutoring me in math,” expressed Krislyn Raglin. “I think I learned more stuff, and one of the tutors helped me at home to understand better.”

Carolyn Brinson, response to intervention coordinator, serves as the Houston Academy sponsor while Kiersten Woodward, skills specialist, serves as the collaborative partner at Victory Early College High School.

Pictured above is mentor Selena Samudio with a Houston Academy student. Below are some additional images of some of the volunteers.