Kimberly Copperberg, Site Supervisor at Meadow View Elementary
The third grade class at Meadow View has three teen volunteers who come consistently each week. The volunteers are students at Elsie Allen High School and have been extremely helpful. They aren’t afraid to ask mentors for help and interact well with students. These volunteers have served as role models for some of the third grade girls, as they have someone of their same ethnicity to teach and inspire them. “I feel like having the volunteers in the class is really helpful for the girls because they have someone to look up to and keep them on track,” reflected third grade mentor Ms. G. They have shown students that even if you come from a touch background, you can focus on education and staying involved in positive activities.
The sixth grade volunteers are very helpful, especially when it is time for doing homework. Mary, a teen volunteer, has been helping students with their homework when mentors are with other students. Another volunteer, Sam, has been connecting with the sixth grade boys. Sam is willing to play, do homework, sit and chat, read, and do whatever interests the students. He has connected and offered more one-on-one support to an intelligent but reserved student who was in need of positive connections. Sixth grade mentor Mr. V comments on the importance of volunteers in his classroom. “I believe that the students get into a routine of seeing their mentors’ every day, so it’s great to have other people that can also be mentors for the children.”
