By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Breakfast is about to become an even more important part of the day for some local elementary students. Bowling Green City School District is looking to offer an additional boost to students’ mornings beyond the orange juice and cereal.
To do that, community members are being asked to volunteer for a new mentoring program at each of the three elementary schools. Each mentor will be assigned to one student, then meet once a week with the child over breakfast at the schools. The program will run from mid February to mid May, every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
The mentoring program is part of the district’s “whole child approach,” that goes beyond academics, explained Debbie Ondrus, coordinator of student wellness for Bowling Green City Schools.
While teachers focus on academic learning, the mentors will help the students develop confidence and social skills.
“What a great way to start a child’s day,” Ondrus said. “Seeing that person once a week who is there just to see them.”
Children selected for the mentoring program may be those in need of positive feedback, adult attention, or those lacking a sense of belonging, she said.
“Those who might benefit from more opportunities to use social skills,” Ondrus said.
The adult mentors will be encouraged to build positive relationships with their student match, working on communication and problem solving skills.
“They will see immediate positive impacts and help students recognize their strengths,” Ondrus said.
While it’s only 30 minutes a week, “the benefits could be huge,” she said.
Mentors must be able to commit to meeting with the students once a week from mid February to mid May, over school breakfasts, from 8:30 to 9 a.m., so the program doesn’t take away from classroom instructional time.
Volunteer mentors should be committed, and have healthy communication and social skills, Ondrus said.
“Someone who is patient and has a big heart,” she said, describing the ideal mentor. “They should have good people skills. Someone who values and has patience with children who are trying to learn the ways of the world. Someone who will meet the child where they are.”
Volunteers must pass FBI/BCI background checks, and will then be matched up with students.
“I really want this to be a good fit for everyone,” Ondrus said.
An orientation for mentors will be held in early February, then breakfast matches will begin in the middle of the month.
Ondrus is hopeful that community members respond to the opportunity to be positive people in the lives of Bowling Green children.
“I feel like all people want to give – but they just don’t know where to start,” she said. This may be the chance they have been waiting for.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is asked to contact Ondrus at 419-354-0800 ext. 4036 or dondrus@bgcs.k12.oh.us.
