Outreach program targets West Windsor-Plainsboro North High School students
By: Emily Craighead
Parents and teachers at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South are giving students a "Boost" to help them fit in with the crowd and stand out through their talents.
"It’s difficult for teenagers to advocate for themselves," precisely because they want to fit in, said Cheryl Prima, a parent coordinator.
In the past, different groups have reached out to help students in need, but by creating a new program known as Boost, organizers hope to reach more students.
"We saw the need growing and the need to have a central organization to provide a safety net," Ms. Prima said.
The organization’s goal is to provide the ways and means for students with a demonstrated need to blend with the general student population in a positive way.
The outreach is an important part of making every student feel that he or she is part of the High School South community, according to Principal Charles Rudnick.
Ms. Prima and fellow organizer Elsa Lapidus "decided there are more kids who need this help than people knew of, or were willing to admit," he said.
Students are referred confidentially to Boost by teachers, administrators or coaches at High School South.
In many cases, a student will approach a teacher or a coach if he or she needs help for example, if a student excels at a sport but cannot afford the team’s required basketball shoes or swimming suit.
Assistance might also come in the form of SAT tutoring, school supplies, tickets to the post-prom party, or mentoring and support.
The teacher fills out an application and gives it to the principal, who reviews the application and submits it to Boost.
Parental approval is required for each request, and Mr. Rudnick removes the student’s name and assigns a number to the approved application. Complete anonymity is maintained by having only the referring faculty member involved in the process, or the principal, communicating with the student’s family.
The school already helps students who cannot afford to pay for school field trips, but Boost takes care of items that often are considered extras.
Money to fund Boost is raised entirely through donations from individuals, churches and corporations.
Even in an affluent school district, such as West Windsor-Plainsboro, there are students who need the type of support Boost offers, according to Mr. Rudnick.
"I think West Windsor-Plainsboro is similar to most upper-middle class districts," he said. "There are the very wealthy, but there are other people who aren’t nearly as affluent."
The school district’s reputation draws many families to the area, including some who live in million-dollar homes and others who live in condominiums or apartments.
Fundraisers will be hosted throughout the school year to support Boost.
For more information, contact Cheryl Prima at [email protected] or Elsa Lapidus at (609) 799-3735.

