Mentor Coordinator Report
Stories & Quotes To Share:
So Good to see you again!
Mentors and students expressed joy and excitement about reconnecting after the summer with hugs, smiles, and rapid chatting: “I have so much to tell you!” Mentors exclaimed: “You’re taller! You look so much older! I’ve missed you.” Many students approached me on the first day of school and even before that to ask: “When do I get to see my mentor?” It’s always fun for me to see the enthusiasm and eagerness to reconnect. We had mentors arriving the first week of September and I’m still working to reconnect a handful of matches—I have more than 70!
Mentor to the Rescue:
You never know what might happen during a visit to the high school. This week I had a mentor on campus when we discovered a student brought a cat to school in a backpack and left if in the locker room. It turns out the cat needed a new home, and the mentor stepped right up and said she would adopt the cat. Great solution to a sticky problem. When I thanked the mentor later, she responded: She is so sweet! I have the best mentee and now a new cat, too. Thanks for all of it!”
Graceful, Powerful Goodbye:
Sometimes great relationships change or close out. When that happens, we try to facilitate a positive closure. Recently, one of my matches had to close after 3 years of meetings due to schedules and work circumstances. The mentor and student had a beautiful conversation about their memories and special times together, and the mentor shared the growth and maturity she had seen over their time together. They both expressed gratitude and good wishes for the future. They plan to keep in touch.
Upcoming:
• Homecoming Week 9/3-10/4: Lots of activities!
• October Mentor Equipping (10/7-8): Topic “Bullying” by Tausha Calderella
• Mini-pumpkin decorating
• November Mentor Equipping (11/4-5): Jordan Feigel will present
Highlights from this month:
• Led Mentor Coordinator training Sept. 6th
• Training new coordinator at LMS
• School board presentation on Sept. 19th
• Two New Mentor Orientations in September
• In process of onboarding new mentors
• Over 70 matches!
Submitted by Lisa Reynolds – ReynoldsL@lynden.wednet.edu