Lisa Reynolds 
BTO End of Year Report for 2021-22Lynden High School Month of June Highlights: Final meetings wrapped up the first week of June for all pairs Everyone received photos 7 students with mentors graduated: mentors were able to attend ceremony in person or watch online; some reported attending or hosting grad parties Matches who couldn’t attend … Read more
Wrapping it up: This past month has been a whirlwind of activity with preparing to close out mentoringrelationships for the year. We received our new BTO merchandise, so everyone enjoyed receiving andwearing it to school. We had end of the year interviews with Partners for Schools representatives. I’vebeen enjoying listening to them; it’s both amazing … Read more
We are grieving the loss of a lovely young woman from LHS. Her name is Kailia and indications are that it was by suicide. Our hearts go out to the family, staff, and students at LHS and all those who have been touched by the trauma of this loss. We greatly appreciate the outpouring of … Read more
Stories to share: Amazing updates I received an email earlier this month from a mentor that started this way: “I know you appreciate hearing updates about former mentees!” This mentor went on to share with me details about their on-going friendship and how this young woman has moved on since high school. The mentee is almost finished with … Read more
Stories to share: A weight has lifted for many: As of this month, it has been two years since covid began and greatly disrupted school as we know it. As the mask mandate ended earlier this month, mentors and students have enjoyed meeting and seeing each other’s faces—some of them for the first time! “Oh, … Read more
February 28, 2022 Stories to share: She saved the cards: Earlier this month I heard from a former mentor who shared a touching story. This mentor no longer lives in the area, and her student graduated years ago, but they keep in touch periodically. The mentor enjoys photography and making cards, and had given several cards … Read more
Stories to share: Have a long-term perspective and be patient: We always tell new mentors that they need to have a long-term perspective and have a lot of patience as they develop a relationship with a student. Don’t expect miracles or big changes right away! I had an enjoyable conversation with a mentor and his sophomore … Read more
Stories to share: One of our mentoring pairs is in their 4th year together and going strong. For a variety of reasons, they are no longer meeting on campus officially, but their close relationship continues. In talking with the parent about arrangements, she wrote: “The mentoring program has been such a blessing to my daughter with … Read more
May 31, 2021 Stories to share: This is always my favorite time of the year. Not because the school year is wrapping up and it is almost summer, but because I love listening to our end of the year student interviews. Nancy McHarness with Partners for Schools spent several hours interviewing our LHS students about … Read more