Elementary Mentors Starts Back Up!
October 12, 2021
Elementary Mentors is a program where Central students pair with students of McKinley and Washington elementary school to mentor them through talking, playing games, and more. The program made a difference in the lives of Central and McKinley students alike in past years, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 mentors and their partners were unable to meet last year.
This year, though, is different – the Elementary Mentors program has started back up, and it has also expanded to Washington Elementary. Our TAG (Talented and Gifted) teacher, Joni Nelson, explained to me why this is such a wonderful development, saying, “This program is so special because even though it takes just a small amount of time each week, it makes a huge impact!”
What do participants gain from this program? Ms. Nelson said, “Both the elementary and high school students gain a meaningful connection. The elementary students gain a positive role model that they look up to and high school students love being this kind of person for them.”
“We are very excited to start this back up after not being able to do it last year. We are also very excited to start working with Washington Elementary as well this year!”
I also asked a Central student who is participating in the program, Maitreyi Shrikhande, to see what she thought. Here’s the interview:
How long have you been participating in the McKinley mentors program?
“I have been participating since freshman year and have had the same mentee throughout. “
What have you learned from the program?
“I don’t have any younger siblings or family so this was the first time I was actually spending time and talking to a kid much younger than myself. Being a mentor has taught me how to communicate with kids and be a leader for them.”
Has the program helped your “mentee”? If so, how?
“My mentee always tells me how much she wishes we could meet more than once a week, so I think she really enjoys it and it gives her something to look forward to. Even in the pandemic I kept in touch with her since she was fully online and couldn’t see anyone from school.”
What have you enjoyed the most about McKinley mentors?
“I have really enjoyed becoming friends with my mentee through the program and I hope that I am someone she can look up to. McKinley was also my elementary school so it has been fun getting to visit, see my old teachers, and also see how it has changed over the years. McKinley Mentors has not only made a difference to my mentee, but also me as well. It is definitely something I look forward to during the week!”
This program also goes on at Washington Elementary. If you are interested, you can email Ms. Nelson at [email protected], or talk to her in room 531.
