SMILES is fortunate to have such a great group of individuals who are mentoring and tutoring students in an independent setting. In other words, they meet with their mentees in the school without other mentor matches and without a facilitator. We think of them as our pioneers, blazing trails for others to follow!
Recently, we met over pizza and salad with a group of SMILES tutor/mentors who are helping students at Normandin Middle School meet their academic challenges. Joining us at the table were Normandin Principal Dr. Jeanne Bonneau and many of the school's guidance counselors. The tutor/mentors are small in number (there are 7) but extremely effective. They spoke about the progress that their students were making. Many have gone from failing to passing Math. Others are doing so well, they're now looking forward to attending Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech in the future. The only request from the school is: We Need More Tutors! MORE TUTORS, PLEASE!
SMILES also recently met with Independent Mentors over muffins and fruit salad. Independent Mentor Elise and mentee Trina are pictured above. Independent Mentors meet one-to-one with mentees in a number of schools. Some of the matches have existed for several years; others are working with students who have been referred by school principals requesting mentors for particular students who they know could flourish with the support of a mentor. It was another terrific meeting, with the mentors offering some first-rate suggestions to SMILES' staff so that we can continue to support them. Once again, it was great to hear about the successes that these relationships have experienced.
If you're interested in becoming a Tutor/Mentor at Normandin Middle School or an Independent Mentor, please contact SMILES At (508) 999-9300 or send us a message through our website at www.smilesmentoring.org.
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