By Halimah Kargbo
Features Editor
This online school year has provided unique opportunities for students to engage with their teachers and peers from home. There are so many ways to stay active with clubs or even get extra help with academics all using Google Meet.
“I’ve participated in the Afterschool Tutoring program three times this year, one of them as a tutor,” says senior Jac’ey Wynn-Ogunbode. “All three times were for one subject and I would rate it as effective. I got one-on-one support and ample time to ask questions.”
Even though the opportunities are available, it doesn’t seem like many students are reaching out and taking advantage of them. With the Afterschool Tutoring program in particular, there are times when few students are in attendance.
“Not many students attended the support session. There were 2-4 students at most whenever I went, but I can’t complain because I got a chance to learn and practice problems in a small environment,” Jac’ey adds.
No matter the reason why many students aren’t coming, it’s still important to get the word out for those who are interested in coming in after afterschool for any reason. Thus, here are some of the ways for students to receive help or engage with the Hammond Community with the click of a button:
HaHs Student Book Club
Hammond hosts a book club that meets once a month. Right now, they are reading Scythe by Neal Shusterman and their next meeting is on Wednesday, March 24th at 1pm. The specific Google Meet code is HaHs-Books.
Student Tech Support
If you need help with anything technology-related, there are drop-in meetings available. From Monday-Friday, excluding Wednesday, use the code Supertechsleuths to join a support session from 7:45 am – 2:15 pm. On Wednesdays, you may only drop in from 7:45 am – 9:15 am. This form may also be filled by students/families to request any needed assistance.
There is also Media Center Support available to students. By filling out this form a Media Specialist will reach out and arrange a time to meet with you.
Project Linus
Hammond’s Project Linus chapter is an afterschool club that makes items for those who are less fortunate from fabric. Members use fabric to create no-sew blankets and have the opportunity to earn up to 6 service hours.
They meet every Tuesday at 3:00 pm and the Google Meet Code is HaHs-studentservices. The interest form can be found here and more information about the club and how to create the blankets, the pickup/drop off process, or even what to do with any leftover fabric scraps can be found here.
Coffee Break with Staff
Each month, staff members sign up for the chance for students to drop in and chat with them! You can even see teachers that you’ve had in the past or not had at all. Coffee Breaks are hosted during Beartime, which now occurs from 9:45 am – 10:15 am, and codes for each teacher’s Google Meet are sent out by Mr. Difato as an announcement.
After-School Tutoring
Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Beyond School Hours Program hosts a variety of Google Meets dedicated to support in different subjects. Use this form to express which subjects you have an interest in. The hours are from either 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm or 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm and the Google Meet Codes are as follows:
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- English Room – hahs-bsh-english
- Math Room – hahs-bsh-math
- World Language – hahs-bsh-wl
- Academic Support – hahs-bsh-Kordon
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- Science Room – hahs-bsh-science
- *SAT Prep – hahs-bsh-SAT
- ESOL Room – hahs-bsh-esol
*The SAT Prep room is open from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
This information is very frequently sent out on Canvas under “HaHS Student Community” and “Hammond High School Student Resources” so be sure to keep an eye out for any upcoming events in the future.
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