Adults Go To School To Mentor Students

Good things come in small packages. And it just so happens that these small packages are readily available in the form of children.

Many adults are snapping up the opportunity to work with kids through the Big Brothers and Sisters school-based mentoring program.

School-based mentoring began after the April 1997 President’s Summit for America’s Future, held in Philadelphia. The summit focused on five fundamental resources to improve the lives of children: an ongoing relationship with a caring adult, safe places to learn and grow, marketable skills through effective education, a healthy start and an opportunity to give back to the community.

The Spokane program was designed by Big Brothers and Sisters’ Rob Schopen.

Nine schools participate in the program using three different models. The first model involves members of the business community mentoring elementary school children. Volunteers are placed in schools close to their workplaces.

The second pairs high school and elementary students, and in the third model, high school students mentor middle school children. And depending on the program, some high school students can earn credits for doing so.

Kids’ social skills are improved in the mentoring process, which ultimately helps them learn, said Grant Elementary principal Steve Indgjerd. Grant students are paired with employees at Medical Service Corp.

Started just three months ago, the program now has about 50 volunteers and 60 on board for the next session, said Schopen, Big Brothers and Sisters school-based coordinator.

No specific requirements exist for kids to receive a mentor, although candidates are normally referred by school staff, said Kathy LeTellier, Grant’s school liaison for the program. Common participants are either withdrawn, struggling in a class or whose attendance is sparse.

Volunteers commit for a three-month period, visiting students for one hour per week at the school. Most mentors go during the lunch hour to eat with their child, then engage in various activities, depending on the pair. Time is often spent doing homework, shooting hoops, reading, doing flashcards and working on the computer.

Mentors are screened by Big Brothers and Sisters and attend an hourlong training course and receive a manual that details the program.

School-based mentoring provides a partnership; teachers demand excellence in schoolwork and the mentors hold the kids to those same goals, said Indgjerd. School staff have noticed positive changes since the program’s inception, he said.

Children are used to working with teachers and counselors, but the third person adds a new dynamic, said LeTellier. Students see mentors not necessarily as an authority figure, but as a confidant, she said.

Volunteer Keith Mayeaux gains from the program; so does his young friend, Danny Fair. The best part of school-based mentoring is “getting to know Danny, helping him with math and watch him progress,” he said. In just six weeks, Danny has improved in math, spelling and penmanship, Mayeaux said.

“It’s a blending of teachers, parents, community and business all working to help kids,” Indgjerd said.

And, adults and kids agree, it’s fun. “I love spending time with Ashley and getting to experience third grade again,” said volunteer Marsha Ellefson.

For more information or to volunteer, call Big Brothers and Sisters at 328-8310.

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