Thank you for your interest in the East Elementary Mentor Program. If you have questions after reading through the following information, please contact Kim Bailey, Counselor, 303-347-4157 or
kbailey@lps.k12.co.us
The mentor program at East Elementary School is about to complete its sixth year in existence. Currently there are 40 students paired with 40 adult community mentors. The mentor program is managed by the East Elementary Counselor (Kim Bailey) and the Principal (Greg Sumlin). Although, the program could not exist without the community members’ involvement, the school coordinates and manages this program alone.
The mentor program began after staff collaboration six years ago. It was determined that our student population was very diverse, needing tremendous amounts of support, both academically and socially. East Elementary is the English as a Second Language (ESL) magnet school for Littleton Public Schools. With that come 15 languages, a high number of students on free and reduced lunch, and a myriad of social and emotional problems. It is not essential that you speak a second language to be a part of the mentor program, although it is helpful.
Mentoring time takes place during the students scheduled lunch hour. Mentors spend 45 minutes a week at the school listening, reading, helping the child with schoolwork, or sometimes doing skill development exercises as recommended by the teacher.
Frequently asked questions:
- What if I have to miss a week or two due to vacation, illness, or emergency?
Not a problem, contact the teacher directly and copy me and we will get the message to the student.
- Do I have to commit to the full school year?
Yes, if it’s possible we’d like you to work with the student for at least one school year. The ultimate goal is that you follow that student through to the end of 5th grade. So if you begin with your buddy in 2nd grade you work with him/her for the next 3 years. Of course, things do happen that are out of our control and we can always work around this.
- Can I see my buddy outside of the school day and school year? Absolutely, we will provide you with the parents name and address so you can contact the parents directly.
- Can I bring lunch in for myself and my buddy? Yes, we just ask that you make sure your student does not have any food allergies. That information can be obtained from the secretary.
- When does the mentor program start and stop?
We will kick off the 2007/2008 school year with a luncheon planned for
September 13, 2007 at 11:30am in the front area of the school. If it rains we will be in the gym. If you are new to our program this is your chance to spend your first full lunch hour with your buddy. We always end our mentor program with another luncheon sometime in May.
- What days do I come in?
We offer you the chance to pick the day that you would like to work with your buddy. The only thing we ask is that you try to stay with the same day each week. This way it’s easier for the student and teacher to remember when they should expect you. Obviously if you have something come up and you need to switch days please notify the teacher and copy me.
- What’s the best way to contact teachers and the counselor if I am sick and cannot come in or I need to switch days for one week?
The best way is e-mail if you have access. Second choice would be to call the teacher first and leave a voice mail. Calling me is an option, however, I only work Monday afternoon and all day Tues. – Thurs. and may miss your call and not get the message to the student and teacher in time.
Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are attached for your information.