NSES mentoring program needs participants

By Donnie A. Lucas

Members of the community are again being sought to serve as mentors to local students at Nancy Smith Elementary School during the new school year.

The goal of the program is to increase confidence and self-esteem, along with helping students make positive choices through one-on-one support, friendship and fun, according to school officials.

“We are again needing volunteers with a little extra time to help make a difference in the lives of students,” NSES counselor Susie Beard said. “The program is designed to give kids a role model – someone they can look up to and be encouraged by.”

Beard said that volunteers can make the time requirement fit their schedule, although the best opportunity is during student lunch time.

“There is no set amount of time that is required,” she said. “It can just be coming to eat lunch with a student on a regular basis whether it’s once a week or once a month.”

She added that mentors with more time can be involved with students in a variety of ways.

“We hope that students can come to count on mentors like they would a trusted family member if they had one,” she said. “It can be like a big brother/big sister situation, but with adults.”

Beard stressed that volunteers of all ages are welcome.

“We started the program two years ago after the COVID pandemic with good success,” she explained. “Mainly, it just involves spending some time with a student and building a relationship.”

Many of the mentors spend time with the student they are assigned to during the student’s lunch break, and some may visit during one of their class provided the teacher approves.

“Some mentors bring a lunch, but that isn’t a requirement,” she said. “Others spend a few minutes after the student eats talking, reading, or playing a game. We have quite a few students who would benefit from this program, but we need the volunteers to help us.”

To volunteer as a mentor or to learn more about the program, contact Beard by phone at 325-762-3384 or by email at sbeard@albany.esc14.net.