Kinship of Polk County runs the mentoring program here in the school. It is a mentoring program that seeks to provide guiding and nurturing relationships for children. The school mentoring program matches carefully screened high school students with elementary age children. The "match" meets once a week for half an hour, at the school, during the school day, throughout the school year.
A carefully screened volunteer will provide your child with a caring relationship. The two will enjoy such activities as talking, listening, games, reading, art/craft projects and much more. In addition, in the past Kinship offered group activities such as a swim night, snow tubing, Valley Fair and more that the child was welcome to attend.
Meaningful relationships such as those set up through Kinship and FFA PALS promote positive self-esteem, self-confidence and a respect for others. In addition, studies have shown that students with mentors are more likely to stay in school, get better grades and go to college while less likely to start experimenting with alcohol and drugs.
FFA PALS is very similar to Kinship with its set up and mode of operation. The mentors are members of the high school FFA program. The pair also meets here at the school once a week for roughly a half hour and throughout the whole school year.
The two programs together offer roughly 20-30 mentoring matches. We are so grateful for both programs and their advisors.
Most students are referred by teachers. Once in Kinship, we hope the match will continue as long as both the mentor and mentee are in school. If you would like either opportunity for your child, contact myself (Mrs. Ailts) or your child's teacher.
