Boost Leadership

Boost! Leadership facilitates two lunch time and lunch recess programs at three elementary schools in Alameda, CA.  Both programs utilize upper grade students to assist with supervision of students during a time when school staff is taking their well deserved break. In the K-Buddies program, 5th grade volunteers help monitor the kindergarten recess by leading games, enforcing school rules, mediating playground conflicts, and setting and cleaning up equipment.  The 5th graders are assigned work schedules and are responsible for showing up or arranging for a substitute for their shift.  They are trained in leadership skills, and are able to build the confidence and knowledge necessary to succeed as school leaders over the course of the year.  The second program that Boost! runs is the Junior Coach program.  The same 5th grade students are assigned to assist with recess supervision on the bigger schoolyard.  They check out and monitor equipment and help with recess supervison to ensure that students are interacting and playing in respectful, productive ways.  Both these programs help 5th grade students understand school rules and take an active part in building the community they want to see at school during recess. Boost! Leadership programs create a sense of unity between grades, and helps students develop and sense of responsibility and confidence in their leadership skills.  The goal of this project is to alleviate recess and lunchtime demands of school staff. Students contribute to their school as well as gain valuable leadership skills and experience.