New changes to MSJ student support programs seek to boost student success

By Staff Writers Amy Han, Mansi Mundada, & Michael Qin

Intro

As MSJ class sizes continue to increase,  on-campus academic support programs such as academic support program, Target Success, student-led mentor program,  Peer Resource, and on-campus mental health center, the Wellness Center, ensure struggling students receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally. To better meet the needs of the student body, these programs have undergone significant changes, including implementing new leadership and structural conversion since the last couple of school years. 

Target Success

Target Success is a program where MSJ teachers are able to provide one-on-one support for in-class material and exam preparation, encouraging students to be more open about their academic difficulties. However, former Target Success Adviser and Social Studies Teacher Katherine Williams pointed out that communication between teachers and students was a persistent issue for the program before, amplified by large class sizes. “The biggest issue that I ran into [with Target Success] is that I did not know what the students were struggling with … I think [clear communication] would make a huge difference in bridging that gap,” Williams said. To address these shortcomings, Target Success was relaunched on September 22 under new leadership, English Teacher Yulee Kim, with the goal of ensuring clear and accessible communication between students and teachers. “I’m hoping that this program will allow kids to get the support that they would often miss out [on] because of how large our class sizes are,” Kim said.

MSJ Peer Resource

MSJ Peer Resource is a student-led program that supports the mental well-being of the student body. Through discussions peer mentors meet with students, by actively listening, providing guidance, and maintaining confidentiality. Peer Resource’s recent transition from a class to a program under Adviser Rachel Tevlin in 2023 has improved the program by giving its committee leaders more control and flexibility over events. “Now we can make sure that we choose quality over quantity in terms of our events, so we can … plan better events that people actually want to come to,” Peer Resource Co-President Senior Sakshi Dixit said. 

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center was originally created post-pandemic as a space for students to relax in a cozy environment, but there wasn’t much student engagement, with many new students unaware of its existence. “In the past, there was no designated teacher assigned to manage the room, and … [it] was only open during lunch,” Wellness Center Manager Jennifer Yen said. Now that the room is run full-time by Yen, the Wellness Center is open before, during, and after school. Yen is focusing on publicity efforts for the Wellness Center. Due to these efforts, more students, as well as entire classes, can come in to enjoy a variety of provided replenishing amenities, such as a selection of warm teas, board games, beanbags, and couches to unwind, throughout the school day. 

Conclusion

From Target Success’ renewed focus on communicative one-on-one support, to Peer Resource’s shift to quality student-led events as a school program, to the Wellness Center’s publicity efforts under a designated staff member, MSJ’s student support programs are evolving to meet the needs of the student body. These changes reflect MSJ’s commitment to helping expand students’ access to academic and mental health support they need.