Brunswick High School • Est. 2023 • Student-Led

Dragon PALS

Partners in Academic Language Support

Connecting peer tutors from the Brunswick High School student body with ESOL students — building academic confidence, meaningful friendships, and a more welcoming school for everyone.

40+
ESOL students supported
30+
Peer tutors matched
1,200+
Collective service hours

Our Mission

What Dragon PALS Stands For

Dragon PALS (Partners in Academic Language Support) is a program (est. 2023) that connects tutors from the Brunswick High School student body to students enrolled in the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program. In addition to providing ESOL students the necessary academic support they need to thrive, Dragon PALS strives to foster meaningful connections that transcend language and culture barriers, enriching the student experience for all at Brunswick High School.

What We Do

Language Support That Goes Beyond Homework

Dragon PALS pairs trained Brunswick High School peer tutors with multilingual students during the school day. Tutors help with homework, English practice, class transitions, and the small daily moments that make school feel less unfamiliar.

The goal is not just academic help — it is friendship, consistency, and making sure every student has someone in the building who knows their name.

Peer Connection

Students build trust through steady, one-on-one support and genuine friendship.

Language Bridge

Tutors use English, visuals, gestures, translation tools, and patience to connect.

Academic Confidence

Support happens inside the school day, right where students need it most.

Tutoring Details

What Tutoring Actually Looks Like

"Tutoring" in Dragon PALS broadly encompasses all aspects of supporting ESOL students. The most crucial part of being a tutor is understanding that every student's needs are unique — successful tutoring requires a super flexible tutor.

Academic Support

Homework help and understanding concepts are the core of most sessions. Tutors help students keep up with class material across all subjects.

Everyday School Navigation

Reading books together, checking PowerSchool for missing assignments, and submitting athletic forms on time are all part of the job.

Individualized Support

Some students need more support in one area than others. The reality is that successful tutoring requires a super flexible tutor who meets each student where they are.

Tutor Recognition

ELO Credit

Tutors receive an ELO "credit" (with 0.0 credits) on their transcripts under the name "Dragon Multilingual Peer Tutors" — a meaningful addition to your academic record.

Volunteer Service Hours

Tutors should submit volunteer service hours for all time spent tutoring — great for college applications and community service records.

Eligibility

Who Can Be a Tutor?

Eligible tutors must be in grades 10–12 and must succeed academically. Beyond grades, Dragon PALS looks for character: strong communication skills, enthusiasm, and kindness.

  • Grades 10–12
  • Academic success (good standing)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Enthusiasm and positive attitude
  • Kindness and genuine empathy
  • Flexibility and patience

How It Works

Three Simple Steps

1

Apply

Fill out the tutor application via Google Forms — it takes just a few minutes.

2

Match

Dragon PALS leaders pair tutors and students based on schedule, class needs, and personality fit.

3

Support

Pairs meet regularly during FLEX or other school-day times. Earn service hours as you make a difference.

Our Team

Founders & Leadership

Dragon PALS was founded in 2023 by two Brunswick High School students who saw a need and built something lasting.

Nat Rathbone, Co-Founder
Nat Rathbone
Co-Founder • BHS Class of '26
Marco Venegas, Co-Founder
Marco Venegas
Co-Founder • BHS Class of '26

Future Lead Tutors

Lily Creighton
BHS Class of '27 • Future Lead Tutor
Anna Klingle
BHS Class of '27 • Future Lead Tutor

Dragon PALS in Action

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply to become a Dragon PALS tutor and help build a more welcoming Brunswick High School — one connection at a time.

Apply to Become a Tutor →

Get in Touch

Contact Dragon PALS

Interested in joining, requesting support, or learning more? Reach out to a Dragon PALS leader directly.

Co-Founder
Nat Rathbone
BHS Class of 2026
Co-Founder
Marco Venegas
BHS Class of 2026
Future Lead Tutor
Lily Creighton
BHS Class of 2027
Future Lead Tutor
Anna Klingle
BHS Class of 2027

General inquiries: bhsdragonpals@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @dragon.pals