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player ready...Being in sixth grade can be a little overwhelming and a little scary for students after spending the last six years in a small elementary school growing up from a kindergartner to a preteen.
At Northbrook Junior High, 8th-graders are trained to come to the rescue as mentors. According to a news release, 30 students participated in training and then hosted their first mentor meeting in September. A three-person team of mentors meets with an assigned group of X-block students five times a year to do a team-building activity and then to simply talk about any questions or concerns the younger students may have.
The program has been a positive influence in culture-building for over a decade, Scott Meek, Northbrook Junior High principal, said in the release.
“Our exit survey with 6th-graders each year provides positive feedback about the program,” Meek said. “They enjoy the activities and conversations with the 8th-grade mentors. We’ve had some students tell us that they ended up joining an after-school club or a school sport because of the encouragement they received from their mentor.”
The program also has a positive impact on the mentors, who apply to participate in the program, he added. “I think they feel empowered in this role as they are looked up to by the 6th-graders and they also have the experience of being in charge of the sessions they run,” Meek said.” In many ways they experience a little bit of what it’s like to be an educator or camp counselor as they prepare activities and facilitate discussions.”
Mentor Shawn Syed knows a little bit about being in unfamiliar territory; he moved from Alabama before he started 6th grade during the pandemic, according to the release.
“I definitely wanted to make sure the 6th-graders had a good year,” he said.
Sammy Abrams had an older sister to show her the ropes, and she knows not everyone is that lucky. “I think it’s important for someone who’s not a teacher to teach you about school,” she said.
Both Janey Seay and Emily Juneau said they signed up because they wanted to help 6th-graders. “They are excited and do love NBJH and it’s going to be fun to get to know them,” Janey said.