Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
Smiles for Miles
This week, one of our quiet, introverted sophomores met her new mentor for the very first time. I’ve never seen her smile so much! Even after just one meeting, you can already see her starting to come out of her shell. And when asked, this student smiled and told me that she “loved” her new mentor.
I always ask each student after the first meeting if they feel like this person could be a good mentor to them, explaining that sometimes the first few meetings can be a bit awkward as they get to know each other. In this case, it was a definite YES! Moments like this are exactly what make my role as Mentor Coordinator so meaningful and rewarding. The smiles made because of a new, meaningful connection are priceless!
Let’s Get Real
With lots of new matches this fall, there’s also been a lot of extra intentional support needed. Many mentors are the only ones hearing what’s really going on in their student’s life. This month has been full of challenges and concerns as mentors get to know their students—and as those students begin to open up and share their struggles. This month has brought a mix of challenges and tough moments as mentors start to earn that trust. It’s been intense at times, but also so meaningful. Together, mentors and I work to know when to step in… and when the best thing we can do is simply be there.
Beyond The School Day
Be the One matches meet on campus in a supervised setting once a week during the school year. But what happens when a mentee invites their mentor to a game, match or performance? Mentors are welcomed and encouraged to attend any school sponsored event to support their mentee. This month we had mentors attend ‘Little Women’, the fall play and several sporting events.
Highlights:
• Pumpkin decorating – donated at half price from Northwood Nursery
• October 13 & 14 – Mentor Equipping (2 sessions – evening and morning).
Topic: “Helping students plan for life after high school” hosted by John Grubbs and Lois
Melhoff from LHS. Very well attended and a lot of positive feedback from our mentors.
• October 21 – New Mentor Orientation, 2 new mentors onboarded and starting their new matches this week
• Started 11 new matches this month. It is such a great experience to watch connections begin.
Upcoming:
• ·Area Mentor Coordinator Meeting, date: November 17
• New Mentor Orientation, date: November 20, 9 – 11 am at Lynden Middle School
• ·Mentor Equipping “Beyond the Classroom: What Schools can do for Students” by Gabrielle Roberts, School Psychologist, date: November 17 & 18 at LMS
Number of Current Matches: 33
Submitted by Missy Rus – melissa.rus@nv.k12.wa.us