Peer Mentor Programs Start up Across the Region!

This has been an amazing year. All over this great region there are peer mentor programs popping up.

I am loving getting feedback from the districts who have either started or are in the planning phases for next years programs. There are so many different varieties of ideas being looked at and implemented. It's all about what is best for your school, and your students. Peer Mentor programs can work in any setting at any level, it's all about thinking outside the box.

This is a picture of Mrs. Kernutt from the Rochester School District she came to visit our classroom this year in April. Since then she has developed a vision for what a peer mentor program will look like at her school, in her program, She has created the syllabus, is getting kids registered, and is ready to roll for the 2018-2019 school year,

At Surprise Lake Middle School in the Fife School District Mr. Beddes and his staff have a plan, and tons of excitement. They created a peer mentor program that will have one class that trains the mentors and then splits into two so 1/2 will work in the special education room at a time while the other 1/2 gets ongoing training. I'm excited to see what they find works at the end of the year and figure out how I can embed part of what they are doing into my program. I love the training time this option offers.

Ocosta School District visited for a second time just today bringing in an entire classroom team with two peer mentors, a teacher, and a para educator. Their administration is fully on board and super supportive, so important on the start up of new programs. Since they are a smaller district their building contains both the middle and the high school. They are looking at implimenting more cross grade level ideas. Love these different options.

From the Chehalis School District, Mrs. Tripp came and visited and started implementation as soon as she returned to her classroom. Her program is up and running and slowly gaining peer mentors.

This program doesn't have to look exactly like it does here at WMS. It needs to be suited for your students, school, and teachers. Whether you are a first year teacher or a seasoned veteran, anyone can do it! Come visit! Contact me to brainstorm ideas! Start with one or two peer mentors. Get the ball rolling.

Every single student deserves to have friends, deserves to be known, and deserves to be part of our community. This program supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of my students as much as it does the peer mentors.

These school districts are just a few that have started on this journey....come and be a part of the movement. Inclusion and integration for all...one school at a time!