continuity

The school-based mentor program asks volunteers to make a minimum of a one year
commitment. The hope is that this one year commitment will grow to a multi-year commitment that sees the student through their 8th grade year. In some situations, it may be possible for those relationships to carry on to high school by transitioning to a community-based relationship. This would require a new background check that includes driver records and allows independent meetings wherever the pair decides to meet. The Mentor Connector would provide the umbrella insurance to cover this arrangement, and the time can be spent attending events, going out for a meal, attending a performance, and more.

A longer relationship translates to a more meaningful impact.

April Foolishness

I'm only talking about the weather, as mentoring has not been the slightest bit foolish - at least not that I am aware of. March brought another chance for the Barstow Pillars matches (that is the word we use for mentors and mentees) to work together as a group. We asked for permission to use the school kitchen for a baking activity on a Monday afternoon. The school gave us the okay, and the kitchen staff were eager and welcoming in supporting this event.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, a recipe for Irish Oatmeal cookies led everyone through the steps of measuring and mixing ingredients before baking the dough into some tasty and healthy treats. The experience was new to some of the kids, and the final result was rewarding. I think everyone took a large container of cookies home, and shared at least some of the cookies with their homeroom class the next day.

The impact of mentoring is mostly in the development of a warm, supportive, and encouraging relationship one-on-one with a student, but coming together offers a great social opportunity with different ages and good fun for all.