A Pack Leader is…

November 14, 2018
When asked to define what a pack leader is, program advisor Ariel Manning stated, “A pack leader is a student that exhibits CCMHS’ H.O.W.L., a true leader inside and outside. A student that mentors 6th and 9th-grade students not only academically but socially as well. Pack leaders offer a different perspective to our students that they might not ordinarily get from a classroom teacher alone. They can offer their own high/middle school experience to help assist our students that are transitioning from elementary to middle and middle to high school.”
My name is Ashley Gutierrez. I am a senior here at Cypress Creek, and I have the privilege of being one of these amazing mentors known as pack leaders. I assist in a 6th-grade science class with Mrs. Rossman. At first, I was skeptical about being a pack leader. I wasn’t sure if I had the leadership abilities, social skills, or knowledge it requires. But after Mrs. Manning approached me and reassured me that I was definitely capable of being a part of this amazing program, I agreed.
The norm in pack leading program is that juniors or seniors get placed in freshmen classes and 8th graders get placed in 6th-grade classes. I was fully expecting to be put in a freshman class, but after placing all the 8th-grade pack leaders, some of the 6th-grade classes were still in need of pack leaders. Mrs. Manning approached me again and asked me if it would be okay if I was placed in a middle school class. Again I agreed, but I can’t say I wasn’t nervous.
Now it has been almost half a year and I can honestly say being in a 6th-grade class has been the best experience I think I could’ve received out of pack leading. Every student learns differently, acts differently, and thinks differently. I have developed a connection with every single one of the students. 6th grade is such a special year. It is a pivotal point in many of these kids lives. It is a year of new opportunities. A year of growing and becoming more independent. We as pack leaders get the amazing chance to be a part of this experience for our pack kiddos. If you know it or not, these kids will look up to you. They will learn behaviors from you, strive to be like you, and want your advice from time to time.
If you plan on becoming part of the program at some point, here’s some advice:
- Be kind to them, they are still learning and might not get it as fast as you did/someone else did.
- Be kind to others as well, you never know what little eyes are watching you.
- Encourage them no matter their attitude about something, everyone processes things differently.
- Whether it be about their life-changing accomplishments or what they had for dinner last night, listen to their stories. You might be the only one who does.
- Sometimes you will have to be a best friend, disciplinarian, teacher, and parent all in one.
- Remember you will never know what they might be going through.
- You will love them, no matter how much they frustrate you at times.
- Don’t be shy or scared, the students are probably just as nervous.
- Be confident, you were chosen to be a pack leader for a reason.
- Be Knowledgeable. Students will look to you for help and guidance.
Olivia Santos • Mar 3, 2022 at 9:12 am
I can’t wait to selected for the upcoming year. I unfortunately could pack lead this year even though I was selected. Hopefully my schedule won’t get in the way of helping out in the class room.
Alexis Delgado • Feb 11, 2022 at 2:31 pm
I would love to be a pack leader next school year because i would want to help students and others get through the year with a best year! I’ll also help students show off out school motto and show off H.O.W.L, i’ll be patient if they don’t understand right away, and make sure they would achieve their full potential as a student.
Carson Canard • Feb 10, 2022 at 12:14 pm
I would love to be a pack leader teaching the kids that are just arriving in middle school to help them out a little bit and setting an example for my fellow peers
Riley Isham • May 24, 2021 at 1:09 pm
I would love to be a pack leader next year because I want to set a great example of a leader and show off the Coyote H.O.W.L in every way possible around others
Brendan youngblood • Feb 16, 2021 at 2:07 pm
I would love to be a pack leader i could really use the experience in mentoring and I think it would be fun to influence younger kids
Brian Kruder • Feb 10, 2021 at 9:35 am
I want to set an example for the new 9th graders that are coming and I want the kids to feel safe and love by me and the teacher. and i just want to help them learn.
Owen Hubbard • Feb 8, 2021 at 9:22 am
I am really looking forward to next year and work with the kids i love helping people when they need it!!
Debritu • Feb 27, 2020 at 8:19 am
I love kids and I hope that I’ll be a pack leader next year. I can’t wait to work with them. (I’m going into 8th grade)
Naomi Gibson • Feb 26, 2020 at 8:14 pm
I was wondering when the summer training for pack leaders takes place/starts.
H.O.W.L!
epassardi • Mar 2, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Hi! if selected they will send you all of the information you need 🙂
jakera luvert • Feb 26, 2020 at 12:15 pm
I believe that a pack leader is someone who follows the HOWL rules and is a great example of a good person who not only helps kids but make sure their not having trouble with anything and they know what their doing .which is what signed up for
Jakera Luvert • Feb 26, 2020 at 12:08 pm
I’d love to help kids and be the teacher partner because will help me be more confident to be a teacher when i grow up i really hope i get accepted
Makiyo Lin • Feb 19, 2020 at 9:18 am
I believe that a pack leader means following the HOWL expectations/rules, teaching students(others) that they can do anything they put their minds’ to, every student is different and they can learn any way that works best for them. I honestly love helping other students and pushing them to do their best, nothing is impossible unless they work hard enough for it, for their future and their goals they wish to achieve in their lives.
epassardi • Feb 19, 2020 at 10:38 am
Thank you for helping others!
Suzan Baykara • Feb 13, 2019 at 3:24 pm
I think a pack leader is a peer to help students learn their way. Not every student learns the same and some require extra help to grasp to concepts. As well as to demonstrate a positive role model in students life, especially for those who don’t have one.
Olivia Gaskins • Feb 4, 2019 at 12:46 pm
I think Pack Leading is a perfect example of someone who can demonstrate a good role model!
Hannah Castillo • Jan 23, 2019 at 4:28 pm
I love kids!!!! I like to work with others, I believe I can mentore 6th graders in there class and I’m hoping to look forward to this experience (I’m in 8th).
alexis singleton • Jan 9, 2019 at 6:35 pm
I’m would love to do this next year as one of my electives ( I’m going in to 8th grade )! Am i able to do this and the year course in theatre 2
epassardi • Jan 16, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Yes! We’d love to have you!