North Salem Elementary’s 'Friend Friday' gives fifth-graders leadership roles, board hears

School administrators presented the Board with a short video and explanation of “Friend Friday,” a program at North Salem Elementary that lets selected fifth-graders work with younger students as an earned leadership opportunity.

Principal and staff described how teachers across grade levels submit requests for fifth-graders to assist in classrooms (for activities such as math flash cards, art prep or life-skills support). Students who meet weekly academic and behavioral eligibility criteria are chosen — typically 22–25 students per week — and spend roughly 30–40 minutes in the host classrooms during the district’s intervention block, administrators said. That timing ensures participants do not miss core instruction.

Why it matters: staff and directors told the board the program appears to increase student motivation and develop leadership skills among older students while creating positive interactions for younger pupils. The board discussed whether the model exists in other elementary schools; administrators said Friend Friday was new to North Salem this year and they were not certain how it compares across all buildings.

Details and procedure - Teachers fill a form listing how many student helpers they need and the tasks they will assign. The fifth-grade team reviews requests and selects eligible “above-and-beyond” students. - Typical weekly participation is about 22–25 students spread across kindergarten through fourth grade and encore classes; students do not always get their first-choice placement so offerings are distributed fairly. - The program evolved from previous fifth-grade leadership work (the Proud Council) and was created by two fifth-grade teachers with the school librarian/makerspace teacher.

Quotes "It has just really morphed into something much bigger than we ever imagined," one North Salem staff member said, describing the program’s popularity.

"We do this during our intervention block. So those students are not missing any of our core learning," a teacher explained.

Speakers referenced and attribution - Mrs. Morley — North Salem staff (teacher) explained the selection form and logistics. - Mrs. Hensel — (co-presenter/teacher) described student reactions and requests from other teachers.

No formal board action was required for this presentation. Directors praised the program and suggested it might be a model worth promoting to other elementary schools in the district.

Clarifying details - Typical participants per week: 22–25 students. - Time students spend: approximately 30–40 minutes per visit. - Eligibility: staff said students must have completed weekly work, have appropriate behavior and no outstanding make-up work or tests.

Proper names: North Salem Elementary, Friend Friday

Searchable tags: ["Friend Friday","North Salem","student leadership","elementary","Dover Area SD"]