Oak Hills High School’s Writing Center, a student-led program launched during the 2021-22 school year, gives students the chance to receive peer feedback and writing advice for any subject during Tuesday – Friday flex periods.
Students can also “sign out” a consultant for additional one-on-one help during bells 3, 6, and 7. Created by English teacher Amanda Tuchfarber and librarian Alison Cucchetti, the idea took shape in 2017 after the pair attended seminars through the Ohio Writing Project at Miami University, a statewide network dedicated to improving student writing. With input from educators across several Ohio universities, the two developed a program that encourages collaboration, strengthens communication skills, and helps students grow as confident writers.
The Writing Center is led by a team of consultants handpicked by Oak Hills High School English teachers, currently made up of juniors and seniors. Tuchfarber said students are first recommended by their teachers, then reviewed by Writing Center advisors before receiving an invitation to join. They then spend around a month training to be the best they can be before diving into their first consultation. When choosing consultants, Tuchfarber said she looks for students who are approachable, friendly, and collaborative, not those simply seeking to boost a college application. “We need somebody who is willing to help people make their writing better,” she said.
At the end of last year, the Writing Center was awarded a grant from the Oak Hills Alumni and Educational Foundation (OHAEF) to support classroom projects. Advisors chose to use the funding to encourage more students to schedule writing consultations by offering incentives such as gift cards, Writing Center hoodies, and a “guess the number of M&Ms’” contest, where the winner takes home the candy. All a student has to do to qualify for winning one of these prizes is sign up for a consultation and they’ll get entered into a raffle. Tuchfarber said she hopes the initiative will make students feel more comfortable visiting the Writing Center for help.
Senior Yanit Abraham, who visited the Writing Center for a consultation earlier this year, won a $15 gift card during the first semester raffle. When asked if she’s seen any improvement in her writing after the consultation, she confirmed and further explained that she had learned many different styles of writing and is now able to implement them into her own pieces.
Similarly, junior visitor Kaylee Jansen also had a positive experience. Proving that the Writing Center helps with every
type of writing, Jansen visited for guidance on cutting her college essay down to 650 words. “They really helped me say everything I wanted to say with less words,” she explained. Jansen also mentioned after her visit, she feels “so much more confident” in her writing skills.
Looking ahead, Tuchfarber hopes to expand the Writing Center and give students even more opportunities to take advantage of its resources, and offer more spots for incoming consultants. With the current three-bell and X-bell schedule, finding time for consultations can be challenging, but she remains optimistic that participation will continue to grow. Despite scheduling obstacles, the Writing Center stands as a valuable resource for students to strengthen their writing skills. As it continues to develop, the program aims to provide a stronger bond between students and increase their confidence in student writing at Oak Hills High School.
