Mentor Coordinator Report
Program Numbers:
We started the year with 14 matches at Lynden Middle School. As I became more comfortable in my new role, the program peaked at 30 matches. We ended with 28 matches, as two closed in the final week. While this is fewer than last year, it reflects my initial learning curve in the position.
Impact:
When I came into the program, I knew that mentors have an impact on students. What I didn’t expect was how fast the influence could show up in a mentee’s everyday life. So many time this year, I would watch students copy and emulate their mentors with sayings, mannerisms and behaviors. Even the new matches I had made this year, that had only been meeting for a week or two, began showing signs of the influence of their mentor.
This isn’t a one-way street either. As I got to know the mentors this year, I began to see how their mentee was rubbing off on them. Through inside jokes, modern young people slang, and references to different parts of middle school culture, the mentors showcased a connection to their mentees that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Often overlooked, the impact that mentees have on their mentors is one of the best parts of the program.
Time-Out:
For students, middle school is a busy schedule that is a constant rush of classes, friends, social groups and homework. A significant draw of the program is the chance for participants to dedicate an hour weekly to stepping away from the noise and rush of middel school and consistently meet with a mentor throughout the year. The consistent one on one interactions really allow the students to slow down, relax and get to know their mentor. The most common “Thank you” response from students during their interviews was, “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me.”
Interviews and Surveys:
We conducted interviews with the students towards the end of the year, recording their responses and asking about their experience within the program. This helps give us an idea of how effective the program is in the eyes of the students. We also conduct end of the year surveys with the mentors and mentees. These surveys help us by allowing the mentors and mentees to provide feedback to the coordinators.
Survey Results:
23/28 mentors completed surveys
24/28 mentees completed surveys
Mentor Feedback and suggestions:
- Most are very satisfied with the program and level of coordinator support
- They love the areas around the school and the facilities they can access
- Some would like different options for the end of year event
- Training Topic Suggestions: Cross-Generational connections, Diversity, Mindfulness, Anxiety and how to deal with it, Motivation, Socialization
Student surveys:
- 23 out of 24 students surveyed wanted to continue with their mentor next year! The other 4 students who were not surveyed verbally committed to continuing next year.
- Middle Schoolers are often not very vocal about how to improve the program but a lot of them provided a list of games that they want me to get for meetings.
Looking ahead to 2024-25
- 15 matches are moving up to LHS, with 14 of them wanting to keep meeting with their mentor.
- At the beginning of next year, I will begin matching students on the waitlist. The waitlist has 14 students on it currently.
- The program has a deficit of female mentors. Over the summer and next school year, recruitment and training of female mentors will be a priority.
- I plan to make more classroom visits next year to increase the amount of students interested in the program.
Final Thoughts
My first year with the program was a valuable learning experience, and I’m excited to elevate its performance here at the middle school. With a year of experience under my belt, I’ve developed solid ideas to enhance communication, recruitment, and engagement. I’m confident that next fall will be even more impactful!
Number of Current Matches: 28
Submitted by Sammuel VanKirk – VankirkS@lynden.wednet.edu