Partner Grades: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together

“Partner Grades” is one of the most cherished traditions at our school. This program pairs younger students with older student mentors, creating meaningful relationships that grow and develop over time.

These connections don’t just last for a day or a project—they often continue throughout a student’s entire journey at our school. By the time students reach 6th grade, they step into a new role as the “big kids,” ready to mentor a new kindergartener and pass along the same care and encouragement they once received.

It’s a beautiful cycle of leadership and friendship. Our older students grow in confidence, responsibility, and empathy as role models, while our younger students feel supported, known, and valued by a trusted “big kid”.

Learning Together in Action

This past week, Partner Grades were busy learning side by side in fun and meaningful ways.

Some students spent time reading together, building fluency and confidence while practicing phonetic awareness in paired activities.

Other groups worked collaboratively on math skills, practicing addition facts through engaging partner activities. Students also explored early geometry concepts by identifying cones and spheres through a fun ice cream-themed game.

These shared learning experiences not only reinforce academic skills, but also strengthen communication, teamwork, and encouragement between partners. Partner Grades continues to be a powerful reminder that learning is even better when it’s shared. Watching students grow as both learners and leaders is one of the greatest joys of our school community!