Once a week, our high school students engage in a mentorship program, dedicating about an hour to partner with K-6 classes at West and Thrive Elementary. The primary focus of our students is to be present and encouraging, embodying the throughline of Community Building as they foster connections with younger learners.
High schoolers contribute in various hands-on ways, providing additional literacy and numeracy support for those who need extra help, assisting students whose first language isn’t English, aiding with small group projects, helping at learning centers, and offering assistance in physical education or any area where teachers require support. This collaboration emphasizes the throughlines of Servant Working, as our students actively engage in meaningful work that addresses the needs of their peers.
This partnership allows elementary teachers to implement more complex activities and projects, as high school students effectively manage small groups of younger students. In turn, our high schoolers develop essential leadership skills, patience, and the ability to set a positive example for others, also reflecting the throughline of Justice Seeking as they create an inclusive environment for all learners.
Our CALM teachers have observed how this mentorship reveals different strengths in our students. Some individuals who typically struggle in school shine brightly during their mentorship sessions, demonstrating the power of God Worshipping through their dedication to serving others.
This mentorship program truly stands out as one of the best aspects of our CALM class at the high school, showcasing how we live out our commitment to Teaching for Transformation in our community.
