What’s happening: A thriving spring pilot has evolved into a quarterly Peer Mentorship initiative at Tisdale and Hubbard Elementary Schools. The program pairs third graders with experienced fifth graders from Dater School, offering guidance and camaraderie.
Expanded Program: Quarterly Connections
The initiative’s success has led to an expanded format, ensuring year-round support with each session focusing on a developmentally appropriate topic. Through shared lunch discussion and recess, mentors and mentees foster real-world interactions.
First Quarter Focus: Sportsmanship and Friendship
The first sessions this week emphasized key themes at each school:
Tisdale Elementary (Tuesday): Focused on good sportsmanship for all boys.
Hubbard Elementary (Thursday): Centered on building healthy friendships for all girls.
🗣 Mentors Share Positive Experiences: Dater 5th graders, guided by Counselor Anne Fishman, shared enthusiastic feedback:
Easton Mulvey: “Having the younger kids look up to us felt really good.”
Hunter Nitzberg: “It was awesome to see my friends and teachers and visit my old school.”
Leo Owen: “I liked helping because sportsmanship is very important in making friends.”
Anthony Reganato: “It was great being a leader and showing the younger kids how to play fairly.”
Quinn Hoy: “I really liked asking the younger kids questions and hearing their answers. I liked that they were really listening to us when we shared things with them.”
Hudson Balestrieri: “It was really fun to see Hubbard School and what the younger grades do there because I started school in Ramsey in fourth grade and didn’t get to go to Hubbard or Tisdale.”
Taylor Cosgriff: “It was nice talking to the younger kids and helping them. I liked when we asked them questions and shared our answers with them.”
Kennedy Krone: “I really loved going back to my old school and seeing all the new things that are happening there since I left.”
🤝 The bottom line: The program is off to a strong start, building connections and offering invaluable guidance for younger students.