Ridgewood has two mentoring programs ran by Michelle, Ryan and Christopher pictured above. They believe the program boosts confidence in the students and in the mentors.
The Middle School has 41 Mentors working with 35 students (26 on an IEP). Many Mentors are 7th graders and their mentoring has been worked into their schedules. Plans are in motion to offer Seniors “dual enrollment” next year to be Mentors. Many classroom aides are scheduled to mentor the last period of the day.
The Elementary School after school program started the year with a good turn out of Mentors, and students. As the school year went on, Mentors became involved in after-school activities; and consistent attendance of students became a problem. Still the students who attended regularly all year have increased their reading over a grade level.
Success Story: Jackson is now a 6th grade student in the self contained special education classroom at Ridgewood Middle School. When Jackson started in our 1 to 1 mentoring program 2 years ago, his first cold read was a 9. Now Jackson is reading 75-80 words on cold and hot reads. Jackson struggled this year with his first mentor. They were not a great fit; but now he has been working with a high school student, and he does a fantastic job. He looks forward to reading mentoring every single day.
For the Mentors:
1. Work until 2:30. 2. Keep restroom breaks short. 3. Pay attention to your student. 4.Be patient and kind. 5. Keep confidentiality. 6. Devices can be used from 2:30 to 2:40. 7. No lockers until the bell rings. 8. No locker rooms. 9. Do not let anybody in for any reason.
Mentor gifts:
