Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
So excited to reconnect! The beginning of the school year is always a busy time, and students ask me right away, even before school starts: “ When is my mentor coming? I have so much to tell them!” It’s always heartwarming to see mentors and students excited to see each other and catch up after the summer: the huge smiles, hugs, squeals, and chatter. I had our first mentors in the building on September 8th, the second week of school, and almost everyone has reconnected at this point. Somehow most of the students always seem to be taller and look older, and mentors notice those changes. It’s especially exciting for freshmen to reconnect with a familiar face when they have come to a new building with different expectations. A mentor can be a consistent anchor for them and help ease the anxiety about coming to high school.
Real Life Skills: This month mentors shared some great stories of supporting students in developing important life skills. One student made a poor choice, and then talked through how to apologize and repair the relationship. The mentor felt so proud of him! Another match and I talked about how the student stepped up to take a leadership role in a club, a personal stretch they never would have done a while back. We celebrated that growth. Another match had to close out this year due to the mentor’s schedule. The pair had a great meeting reflecting on the importance of the three years they had together and agreed to keep in touch with parent permission. I’m so happy that mentors can help teach healthy closure when needed.
Celebrating special moments: One of my mentors dropped off a birthday gift for her student, which I was able to give her. She had a huge smile on her face and said “Thanks for the gift!” Another mentor surprised her student by bringing in some décor and treats for her students’ birthday. Students appreciate kind gestures that make them feel special.
Highlights:
• Training Tara, our new coordinator at LMS. She’s doing great!
• Reconnecting matches
• 2 New Mentor Orientations
• Matched two students who have been waiting since last year.
• Septemberfest on 9/19 was a great event and opportunity to connect with folks.
Upcoming:
• LHS College and Career Fair Oct. 8
• New Mentor Orientation: Oct. 15
• Planning Mentor Equippings for the year
• Mini pumpkin decorating contest later this month
Number of Current Matches: 58
Submitted by Lisa Reynolds – reynoldsl@lynden.wednet.edu