It’s not about homework! The In-School Mentoring Program that takes place at the child’s elementary school, during the school year. The volunteer spends one hour per week doing a fun activity or just talking with a child who could use a friend. We encourage employers to give employees the time during the work day to volunteer…studies show that people who volunteer perform better on the job!
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Why is the In-School Mentor Program a good choice?
A. In-School Mentoring appeals to volunteers who have limited time available for mentoring a child. The time commitment is only one hour each week during school hours for the duration of the school year so volunteers still have their evenings, weekends and summers free. The program reaches children in the school environment who otherwise would not have had access to our services.
Q. What are the advantages of the program for the kids?
A. There are two significant benefits to our program. More kids in our community can access the agency services and benefit from participating. The program adds diversity to the type of programs offered by the agency, allowing the child’s needs to be met appropriately. Additionally, the kids will benefit by having another positive adult role model in their life that is there just for them. They will participate in fun and meaningful activities which they choose with their mentor while in the comfort of their school environment.
Q. What activities do mentors do with their student at the school?
A. Each school has designated spaces for mentors to meet their mentees and a supply cupboard with board games, sports equipment, arts and crafts materials, building sets, cooking materials, books, etc. Mentors and students can choose from a variety of activities each week and be inside or outside while always remaining on school property.
Q. Can we do things outside of school hours?
A. The In-School Mentor Program allows partnerships to see each other only at school. There are no phone calls, emails or personal visits outside of that one hour each week.
Q. Can we bring in materials from home to do with our students?
A. Absolutely, but this is not required. This can be a “no cost” program to volunteers since we have many materials at the school already. However, mentors do occasionally bring in other materials such as special art supplies, a musical instrument, a book etc. to share with their student. We encourage mentors to share their knowledge, skills, and passions with their students in a non-material way.
Q. How are the children selected for the program?
A. Generally, the school refers students who they believe would most benefit from the one on one time with a caring adult. Parents can make requests for their children to have a mentor.
Q. What is the matching process?
A. Once you have completed your steps in becoming a volunteer with our agency, the focus will turn to matching you with a compatible child. The process focuses on matching similar personalities, interests and preferences. When the Mentoring Coordinator has a match for you, they will call to discuss the match and set up your first meeting with the child.
Q. What happens at the Match Meeting?
A. The match meeting takes place at the school where the Mentoring Coordinator, child and volunteer meet together. The meeting will include a review of the roles of each participant and guidelines for the volunteer to follow. It is also a chance for the volunteer to “break the ice” with the child and get to know them. After this, the Mentoring Coordinator leaves the meeting, allowing the child to give the mentor a tour of the school and get to know each other, usually choosing some activity to do.
Q. When do mentors meet their mentee each week and how is this arranged?
A. A meeting time is selected that works for both the mentor and teacher and we encourage mentors to choose a time when they can consistently visit for the school year. Consistency and reliability are key elements to the success of our program.
Q. What if I can’t come one week?
A. If you are ill or unable to meet your mentee one week, we request that you phone both the school and our agency to advise us of your absence either ahead of time or that morning. We like to remind volunteers that this may be a small part of your week, but the one hour you visit your mentee is often the highlight of their week and we encourage you to make every effort to maintain your weekly visits.
Q. Who do I talk to if I have a problem or need some advice?
A. Your Mentoring Coordinator is a resource for you and we encourage you to connect with them as often as you feel the need. However, there are set times when contact with the Coordinator is mandatory. The Mentoring Coordinator is present at your match meeting and will follow up with you after the meeting to confirm your interest in the mentee. They will also arrange a 3 month in-person or telephone meeting and then an in-person closure meeting at the end of the school year.
Q. Can you mentor the same child for more than the one school year?
A. Absolutely. We have many partnerships that have been together 2 to 4 years and they have built very strong relationships that may last a lifetime.