Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
Mom inspired to become a mentor! Earlier this month, I was surprised to see a student I know and her mom waiting for me in the office. The student spent 3 years with a mentor and had a great experience. Seeing her daughter supported by a mentor inspired her mom to volunteer. She wrote on her application: “I noticed how she (daughter) became a better person from mentoring, and I’d also like to change someone’s life in a positive way.” Now that her own kids are mostly grown, she has time to invest in others. I was able to share what she said with her daughter’s former mentor, who replied: “This is so awesome. Her mom is so wonderful and kind. I’m excited for her to be a mentor.” I’m really looking forward to her attending our next New Mentor Orientation in January.
Hoodies are here! The first week of December, our BTO merch order arrived. Over 170 items in 6 enormous boxes arrived and were snapped up by students, mentors, and staff. I loved seeing the excitement of students who put on their hoodies right away, and some have worn them several times already. Everyone loves the new designs, fresh colors, and the cozy fabric. Others admired them, wondering—“How can I get one of those?” So rewarding to see the staff enjoying their gear and “repping” the program, too.
Holiday Cheer! During this short month, students and mentors enjoyed special seasonal activities. Lynden High School has an elaborate hall decorating competition each year, which magically transforms the school. Students gave mentors tours of the halls when they came in and proudly showed the parts that they helped create. Everyone had the opportunity to decorate wooden and acrylic ornaments to take home during their meeting times if they wanted to. The final week before break, I served hot cocoa, cider, cookies, and candy canes. Many students and mentors exchanged small gifts with each other. One pair exchanged “Brrrr Baskets” where they brought winter related treats and cozy items grouped in a container. As they showed me what each received, it was obvious that every item was thoughtfully selected based on known hobbies and interests. Great tradition!
Highlights:
Highlights from this month:
• Saturday Academic Support on Dec 6th: 66 people had breakfast thanks to Kiwanis!
• New merch delivered
• Enjoying holiday decorations and creating ornaments
Upcoming:
Upcoming next month:
• Return to school on January 5th
• Saturday Academic Support: January 10th
• New Mentor Orientation: Friday, January 16th
• January 19-23/short week and finals—no mentor meetings
• January 26: Start of semester 2. Some matches will have new meeting times
Number of Current Matches: 69
Submitted by Lisa Reynolds – ReynoldsL@lynden.wednet.edu