Mentoring Program Continues to Impact Students
by Kim McElfresh
October 13, 2009
The Sutton TeamMates Mentoring Program is a mentoring program modeled after the original one Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne began in 1991. The Osbornes saw the needs of children growing up without enough adult interaction.
The school-based mentoring program pairs adult volunteers
one-to-one with students. Adult mentors serve as positive role
models for students that could benefit from another caring adult in
their lives. Mentors meet with their students at least one hour a
week during school hours. During this time together they are
involved in a variety of activities that help form a bond.
Currently eighteen matches have been formed in Sutton with
several more students waiting for a mentor. Students from fourth
grade to seniors are meeting with their mentors before school,
during lunch and after school. This one hour commitment by our
volunteers has made a difference with students. Fewer tardies and
higher grades are a positive side of mentoring.
Mentors enjoy playing games, crafting, sewing, and talking with
their mentees. Our mentees greet their mentors with big smiles and
can hardly wait for their day to get here.
When it comes to enrolling the students, some have been referred by
teachers. Others ask to join. Every student could benefit from
another adult mentor in their life, so we welcome anyone into the
program.
When asked why they like TeamMates, students responded with:
“It’s pretty cool and I get to do lots of stuff with my mentor. I
can draw or talk with my mentor. She even brought Ruby, her little
Chihuahua, to meet me.”
“It’s fun to talk to my mentor because I’m learning a lot about
her. We enjoy crafting together and learning from each other.”
If you’re interested in mentoring or would like to have your student become part of the TeamMates program please contact Kim McElfresh at 773-4423.
