Afterschool Program Helps Timberline Students Thrive

A unique afterschool program at Timberline School offers 8th- and 9th-grade students a lifeline when they get behind on their schoolwork.

Introducing Warriors @ Work

“Warriors @ Work provides a supportive space where students can collaborate with teachers and student volunteers to improve academic success,” Program Leader Shelby Quade-Karns says. “The program aims to help students raise their grades, complete missing assignments, and develop positive study habits.”

When the program began a few years ago, students met on Wednesdays. However, there was one big hurdle preventing the program’s growth.

“In the fall of the 2023-24 school year, Principal Frank Lee and I finalized plans to expand the program to Tuesdays and Thursdays. This adjustment enabled students to use the activity bus for transportation, making Warriors @ Work equitable for everyone,” Quade-Karns explains.

The program runs from 3-4:20 p.m. in the school library. Students can work on any subject — including elective courses. Quade-Karns says some students even put time into their band scales during sessions! At the end, a teacher volunteer waits with the students until they have boarded the bus or found a ride home.

Eighth-grader Andrea Martinez started attending the program this year.

“Warriors @ Work has helped me complete my assignments in every class I need to work on. Also, the buses are important to me because my mom doesn’t have a car, so then I stay in school to work a little bit more,” Andrea says.

Building Success with Volunteers

What’s so spectacular about this program is that it’s all run by volunteers. Principal Frank Lee and teacher Shelby Quade-Karns lead the charge. Other teachers volunteer based on their availability. Additionally, students can earn silver cord hours by volunteering as tutors.

“Staff members generously give an hour and a half after school to support student success. Teachers often volunteer when they have several students needing to complete assignments for their class, encouraging these students to attend so they can work together on missing or late assignments or receive reteaching as needed,” Quade-Karns notes.

“My German teacher was the one who told my mom there was this program, so my mom told me to sign up. Thanks to Warriors @ Work, I am doing great and finishing my assignments,” Andrea adds.

Celebrating Achievements

So far this school year, more than 30 students have attended the program. Quade-Karns says participation generally increases as students recognize the impact of missing assignments or low grades.

“This year, a student joined the program overwhelmed with missing assignments in three classes. We developed a plan for him to attend consistently and within just three sessions, he had caught up on all his work and maintained his progress,” Quade-Karns says.

While traditional tutoring outside of the school is a good option, this program offers benefits that tutoring can’t match.

“Warriors @ Work addresses immediate needs, helping students improve grades quickly while building positive study habits. The program’s in-school setting allows students to work directly with their current teachers, which is invaluable. It teaches students to reach out, advocate for themselves, and communicate their needs. This additional time with teachers provides extra support and reinforces learning in a familiar environment,” Quade-Karns replies.