At Washington High School, about nine special education students sit in classroom that might appear chaotic. Sign language interpreter Carrie McKee is at the front of the room having students sign the sentences written on the white board. Awaiting their turn, some students fidget in their seats, while others sit quietly. In the back of the room, one student, Daniel, is signing to his friend, peer tutor and service learning participant Codie Baumert.

Baumert is signing but is also writing things down for Daniel to see. The two communicate fairly effectively as Daniel, 13, born deaf, is made aware of what is going on in the classroom.

Asking any of the teachers or aids who help Daniel about his improvements over the last two years leads to a long list of ways this student has developed.

“He’s learned so much. You just have to think, ‘Wow!,’” McKee signed.

Daniel, who just two years ago wasn’t able to read, is now reading and signing. While he still has much to learn, his motivation comes from two students enrolled in the peer tutoring and/or service learning courses at the school.

Baumert, a senior, and junior Lance Davis both help Daniel during different parts of the school day. Davis has participated for two semesters in the peer tutoring program. He works directly with Daniel, helping him in physical education class this semester and in special education teacher Debbie Rodimel’s room last semester.

Baumert is enrolled for his third semester in the peer tutoring program and his first semester in service learning program. He spends time in the special education room helping Daniel and other students with varying disabilities.

“I help students with their signs. I try to learn as much as I can. I’m thinking about actually doing this later on in life — signing and interpreting,” said Baumert, who didn’t realize his interest prior to helping in the resource room.

The experiences Baumert and Davis have had through the peer tutoring and service learning programs have impacted their lives beyond the school perimeter.

“It definitely makes you want to help people more,” Baumert said. “Everyone is really, really individual. Everyone just reacts in their own way. They all are their own selves, and it’s just really cool to be able to see.”

Davis agreed and added it makes him thankful for what he has.

While helping in Rodimel’s room last semester, Davis worked with several students, not just Daniel.

“He really treated them with respect and worked with all the kids,” Rodimel said. “He’s befriended him (Daniel) and made him want to learn sign.”

Davis, who considers Daniel a good friend, says one of the most important things he’s learned is to be patient with others. His experiences have helped him realize he is interested in pursing a career in special education or elementary education.

Helping in the resource room has not only lead Baumert to his interest in sign language, but has also given him perspective on treating others.

“So many people look down on these students. They see them as ‘resource students.’ But it’s not really that way at all. They have their own unique abilities, and they do their own things,” Baumert said.

He shared how one boy has trouble speaking but can sing well. When he hears the student singing, he always encourages him to continue. Another student, he said, is a fantastic artist. Baumert goes with the student to art class and is always amazed at the student’s work.

Through McKee, the interpreter, Daniel said he is friends with both students. Daniel said he looks up to Davis because he plays soccer, and he is happy Baumert signs to him.

The peer tutoring course was first offered three years ago. Washington High School’s student services advisor Jeannie Graham oversees the program. Students enrolled are assigned to a classroom and spend time each day helping students in that class. The students are responsible for writing a paper expressing how they helped and what they learned during the semester.

The service learning program is overseen by instructor Janet Eaton, who initiated the course about eight years ago. Students enrolled are placed in service positions around the community or, like Baumert, in the resource room at the school. In the past, students have helped at day cares, nursing homes, the hospital, Sunset Towers, Red Door or Head Start. The goal of the course is to teach civic responsibility.

Students, like Davis and Baumert, have the opportunity to impact their peers and community through these programs.

“We always use these guys as role models,” Rodimel said of Davis and Baumert.