Jr. Mates Mentoring Program
Student-to-Student Program Exposes Elementary Students to Positive High School Role Models
Statistics have shown that a child with a mentor in his/her life is less likely to start using drugs or alcohol, skip school, or take part in other high-risk activities.
Wahoo Public Schools has in place a student-to-student mentoring program called Jr. Mates. The Jr. Mates Mentoring Program is designed to bring together a high school student with an elementary student.
Launch the media gallery 2 playerThe mentor meets weekly at the elementary school with their mentee. During their time together, they will work on academics or other activities such as: board games, playing on the playground, doing art projects or just talking.
Launch the media gallery 3 playerThe high school student applies to be in Jr. Mates and has teacher references. They are then trained and given materials to help them get to know their new friend.
Elementary students who have expressed interest in having a mentor are given information and a permission slip for their parent or guardian to sign. The two are matched, introduced and start their mentor/mentee friendship. When possible, the two will remain matched until the mentor graduates.
“My favorite part of the mentoring program is hearing the laughter and see the smiles on the faces of both the mentor and mentee,” commented Wahoo Elementary/Middle School Guidance Counselor Ann Egr. “Often my elementary office is filled with kids sharing a game, activity or funny story. I love walking in and seeing that!”
For more information on Jr. Mates or to apply, please contact Egr at 443-4250 ext. 1005 (elementary), or 443-3101 ext. 2103 (middle school), or by emailing aegr@esu2.org.