Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories to Share:
An Amazing Cozy Corner:
Some lovely people transformed an old, ugly office into a cozy, classy meeting space for mentors and students to use. I was happy to unlock the space for people to start using a couple of weeks ago, and they love it! With our crowded building, it’s wonderful to be able to offer a quiet, private area for activities and conversation. Thank you to Elements Hospitality for funding the makeover, Katelyn Lancaster for the design, Nancy and Denny Mcharness for hours of sweat equity, and Principal Ian Freeman for allowing us to take over the space. See attached photo for the great reveal!
Support Matters When Teens Grieve:
This month featured multiple conversations with mentors and students who are grieving: the loss of a grandparent for more than one student, the loss of a cousin for another, and a couple of significant anniversaries of deaths for others. Mentors play an important role in supporting teens in grief who are often trying to navigate their first experience with the death of a loved one. I’ve been able to share tips on grief with those involved and coach mentors on how to talk with students about validating and processing their feelings.
Courage to Try Something New:
A chess board in the library and announcement about the need for players to fill out the team led to two of our mentees taking the plunge to try something new. They really pushed their comfort zone and expanded their opportunities by joining an extra-curricular activity for the first time. Both of their mentors have supported the young ladies in growing their confidence and taking risks. Very excited to see how they continue to grow through this experience. Supportive mentors inspire courageous choices.
At Capacity:
This past month, I made match number 75 at LHS, and exceeded our program capacity. It’s incredible to think that we started in 2013 with 6 matches and have grown to this point. We follow National Best Practices for Mentoring Programs: because there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to support mentors and students, the recommended limit for one program manager is 65 matches. I hate to turn anyone away, but simply cannot add any more matches this school year, or the quality of that support will suffer. Future referrals will go on the waitlist and we will work to build matches at the middle school for the remainder of 2024-25.
Highlights:
Highlights from this month:
• November Mentor Equipping was well attended: Thank you Jordan Feigal for presenting on supporting students in trauma
• New Mentor Orientation on November 19th—2 new Lynden mentors
• Merch Order forms submitted for mentors and students
• 20 Thought Provoking Questions About Gratitude: optional activity for this month along with Thank you cards.
• 75 matches; 2 on the waitlist
Upcoming:
Upcoming:
• Mentor Café Day Dec. 4: Less formal social time for mentors to interact and share ideas
• December ornament crafts: optional activity; thank you to PFS for providing supplies
• Holiday season with its highs and lows—mentors coached to be sensitive
• Coordinators meeting Dec. 18th
Number of Current Matches: 75
Submitted by Lisa – ReynoldsL@lynden.wednet.edu