More than a room: The Student Life Center

What is the Student Life Center?

The Student Life Center at Marietta High School is crowded on any given morning. Before first period, students start to arrive; some are searching for tutoring, some are getting ready for college meetings, and some are just looking for a peaceful place to plan their day. The center is simply seen by most as a stable part of the school. Behind the scenes, a group of employees put forth a lot of effort to ensure that every class goes well, that every student gets the assistance they require, and that every obstacle is overcome.

“A normal day at the Student Life Center consists of being what’s called a barrier eliminator. We are on demand to students’ needs as they come,” Program Facilitator Terrance Duke said. “We can take care of serious things too, like needing your clothes washed, as well as food insecurities. Basically, our day to day depends on the students needs and what they need at that certain time.”

The Student Life Center is a center of opportunity, support, and caring rather than merely a space or collection of materials. Its employees make sure that kids have access to workshops, social-emotional support, college preparation, and tutoring in order to help them thrive in and out of the classroom. Many students view the center as a safety net, while others use it as a springboard to reach objectives they would not have been able to accomplish on their own.

“The SLC is for each and every student in Marietta High School. There are a lot of things you could ask from us and you shall receive because we are very resource rich,” Duke said. 

Recent Changes

The facility has also experienced alterations in recent years that have caught the public’s attention. Alleging discrimination and retribution, the former director of the Student Life Center sued Marietta City Schools and the district’s human resources director in federal court in 2023. The community began to worry about whether the center’s therapeutic services would be discontinued during that time. The services would continue, but at various times of day, before school, at lunch, or after school, instead of during the academic hours, according to school officials. Officials said that kids will have access to transportation if needed. Superintendent Grant Rivera at the time explained how the SLC will remain together.

“Let me assure you, the heart and soul of the center remain unchanged,” Rivera said. 

Academic Support, Tutoring, and Social Emotional Resources

The faculty persisted in offering students both academic and personal assistance in spite of these changes. The center’s primary service is still tutoring, with sessions covering a variety of topics and test-prep requirements. Additionally, staff workers organize small-group sessions for students who require assistance in certain courses, like chemistry or mathematics, and they often collaborate with classroom professors to find kids who may use more practice. Because of this collaboration, the center may operate as a stand-alone resource while also acting as an extension of the classroom.

“My friends and I have gone to many of the tutoring and school help sessions. It has been super beneficial just to be able to work knowing that we are supported,” Elaina Gehlbach (12) said.

The center now offers tutoring as well as personal development and mentoring. Employees frequently engage students in goal-setting activities, support them in pursuing leadership positions, and assist them in finding interests outside of the classroom. For a lot of students, the SLC is where they first learn time management skills, initiative, and the belief that success is possible, even in the face of uncertain life outside of school.

The community is also reached by the center. Through collaborations with nearby businesses, students can take advantage of internship opportunities, food pantries, and clothing drives. These collaborations enable students to create enduring relationships that may lead to opportunities long after they graduate, rather than merely offering temporary respite. The team stresses that empowerment, teaching kids how to use the resources at their disposal to mold their futures, rather than charity is the aim.

Students use the center in many ways, from asking concerns about graduation requirements or college preparation to seeking academic assistance. Additionally, the center helps students prepare for job interviews, create resumes, and apply for scholarships. Many seniors rely on the staff to assist them achieve financial aid and college application deadlines.

The center is thinking about adding more programs in the future, such workshops on financial literacy and more chances for job preparation. New collaborations that can increase the variety of materials accessible to students are also being discussed.

“We hope in the future to grow our special programs, such as small groups, as well as adding more master classes and organizations like we did before,” Duke said.

The Student Life Center serves as a bridge between academic and extracurricular requirements. While some students may be directed toward enrichment activities like dual enrollment or career seminars, others who require social-emotional support may be sent to counseling staff or other options. Because of its dual purpose, the center is a versatile area that can be adjusted to meet the needs of various student priorities.

Staff members offer assistance on graduation and college preparation, help with tutoring, and connect students to counseling options. The center provides a link between an increased number of programs at MHS that are intended to provide students with different paths to success, according to faculty and administration. Whether or not the greater student body can see what they are doing, their work never stops.

“One of my friends over the break got many resources from the Student Life Center including food because of financial problems. It was a really good thing for her because it gave her a resource her and her family needed,” Angeline (11) said. 

The Student Life Center continuously supports Marietta High School students’ academic and personal growth, despite not receiving regular attention . As the center develops, its major goal is to guarantee that every student, irrespective of their academic position or background, has access to tools that can help them graduate and pursue possibilities in the future.