Students have always had the option to get extra help from their teachers, but what about from their peers? This year, West implemented a new peer-tutoring program called Think Differently.

“I had a meeting with [Principal Kathy] King before the school year started and she brought up that there was an opportunity for NHS to give support to students who are struggling in school,” senior class president Connor Madden said.

The way the program works is simple.

“Students sign up to be tutors,” associate principal of student activities Randy Hayes said. “The teachers get lists and that list will say what students are interested in or what their specialty is.”

While tutors have to be approved by teachers, any student is welcome to go in and receive help.

“We accept anyone who needs to be tutored, as long as they have a desire to learn and improve,” Think Differently president junior Jessica Chiu said.

As president, Chiu has created a master list of tutors and helps set up appointments between tutors and students. Students who were selected to be tutors can help out at tutoring sessions or work with their peers one-on-one.

“I think you learn better sometimes from your peers because they’re able to relay information maybe in a different way,” Hayes said. “Even though it’s the same material, there’s a different connection.”

The school administration had noticed that some students who are struggling in classes are not asking for help. Teachers can suggest tutoring for students who do not understand the material very well, and those students can get assistance through Think Differently.

“Ms. King’s baseline idea of leaving no Wolf behind is perfected in this program,” Madden said. “I think it encourages collaborative learning.”

The creators of Think Differently hope the program will have a positive impact on the school and fulfill the needs of students who are having difficulties in their classes.

“The officers of Think Differently, Connor Madden and the administration are hoping for a school that provides the best opportunities for academic success and a comfortable learning environment that fits any student’s needs,” Chiu said. “Our goal is to help students reach their goals and achieve understanding, as well as provide an opportunity to help your peers and build a unified community.”