Peer Leadership cancelled;

It’s no secret that last year HCPS faced serious staffing cuts, budget cuts, and adjustments to programs and services. Though the changes were made nearly a year ago, the effects are still being felt around the county now.

Some HCPS teachers are working to rule, which means they are putting hours in for which they are paid, the hours between 7am and 2:25pm. Unfortunately, programs that fall outside of these hours are showing signs of being affected. Drama productions, fundraisers, and leadership opportunities are a few of things at NH that have gone to the wayside for the time being.

This year Peer Leadership has been cancelled; with the work to rule initiative in place, only seven of the needed 16 teachers could commit to attending.

Teachers and students have attended the annual Peer Leadership Weekend for 16 years. The unique activity involves a two and half day trip to the Sandy Hill Camp and Conference Center in Cecil County, Maryland. During the trip, students participate in group activities that inspire leadership skills..

“It’s disgusting that because teachers aren’t being paid what they were promised, it’s affecting the positive opportunities for students,” said senior Shiloh McCurry.

McCurry said she was honored to have been nominated and gone last year, but not everyone gets the opportunity to go. Only about 50 students attend the weekend each year.

“My sister got to go and I looked forward to going this year, but I understand what the teachers are doing,” said junior Reilly Saneman.

Past students enjoyed bonding with students they probably wouldn’t have met through other activities The leaders worked in groups to conquer challenging tasks, such as climbing a rock wall while being harnessed in groups of three or building a structure out of only gumdrops and spaghetti. The students were also able to see the school’s social life from a teacher’s point of view. This gave the students the ability to change the school environment for the better.

One activity develops ideas to improve the school. This past year, students wanted to modify Hawks Soar. It was moved back to homeroom and increased in length because of the ideas of Peer Leadership students.

“It’s [Peer Leadership] a really good experience for those who go. We [teachers] see benefits not only on the weekend, but also when we return, students are more open,” said Mrs. Jenny Biegel.

Biegel is one of over two dozen teachers who have participated in Peer Leadership over the years. Mrs. Jennifer Chandler has been the head of the experience for its entire existence at North Harford. Though the weekend is just three days, it takes months to plan.
“Though the weekend will not take place this year, I am hopeful that in the future we will be able to bring back the program,” said Chandler.