Three days a week, a quiet but meaningful journey unfolds at Harrisburg Middle School. Fourteen eighth graders leave their familiar hallways and walk to the Bulldog Early Learning Academy (BELA), where small hands reach for theirs, eager for their arrival. For the middle school students enrolled in the Pre-K Helpers elective, the experience is far more than a class—it is a chance to build relationships, develop responsibility, and discover what it means to care for someone else.

Now in its fourth year, the full-year elective has become one of the most sought-after opportunities at Harrisburg Middle School. Kim Reeder, who teaches eighth-grade literature and honors language arts, helps oversee the program and has seen firsthand how much it means to the students involved. She explained that participation is limited, noting, “It’s a privilege, and it is eighth grade only, because you have to be a good role model for the students down there.” Attendance, grades, and responsibility all matter because the younger students quickly look up to their middle school helpers.

The structure of the program allows for meaningful consistency. Students visit BELA three days each week, spending about half an hour in Pre-K classrooms assisting with daily routines, academic centers, and play-based learning. Over time, those repeated visits create bonds that go far beyond simple assistance. Reeder described the reaction when her students arrive, saying, “They are like celebrities when they walk in. They just run up and give them hugs.” When the helpers leave, it can be just as emotional. “They’re holding onto their legs, trying to get them to stay,” she said, smiling.

For eighth grader Addie Harbison, the experience has been both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. “I basically love babysitting personally, and I just thought this would be a really good opportunity,” she said. Spending time in the classroom confirmed her interest in helping others and even opened her eyes to future possibilities. “It’s definitely something that you can use later on in life,” she added.

Addie quickly discovered that helping Pre-K students requires patience, flexibility, and emotional awareness. She explained that young children can change moods quickly, saying, “They can be happy one second and then really upset the next, and you have to make sure you don’t trigger that.” Learning to navigate those moments has helped her develop maturity and confidence.

Saylor Pilcher has had a similar experience, especially working in a special education classroom. At first, the environment felt unfamiliar and challenging. “It was difficult at first because some of them are nonverbal,” she said. But over time, she learned how to communicate in new ways, including using simple sign language and visual cues. The experience taught her that communication goes beyond words. “It’s fun, though,” she said, reflecting on the growth she has experienced.

For both students, the emotional connections have been the most surprising and meaningful part of the program. Addie recalled missing a day due to illness and learning how much her presence mattered. “One of my kids actually cried about it, and I felt really bad,” she said. “She was very upset with me.” Moments like that made her realize how deeply the younger students value their helpers.

The program also gives middle school students insight into the world of education. Many participants use the opportunity to explore whether working with children could be part of their future. Addie even chose to job shadow in her Pre-K classroom, spending additional time observing teachers and supporting students.

For Reeder, watching her students grow through the program has been one of the most rewarding aspects. She has seen them develop leadership, empathy, and confidence in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

As the school year progresses, many of the helpers begin thinking about how difficult it will be to say goodbye. Addie has already planned a meaningful farewell, sharing that she hopes to have the children leave handprints on her class shirt so she can remember them. “It’s just going to be very emotional for me,” she admitted.

Programs like Pre-K Helpers reflect the heart of Harrisburg Middle School’s commitment to student growth. By giving eighth graders the chance to mentor younger students, the school is helping them discover responsibility, compassion, and leadership.