ACADEMY 4
Arborlawn 4 connects churches to schools and communities through mentoring 4th graders in leadership. We provide a mentor for EVERY 4th grader in the economically disadvantaged schools we serve. Our volunteers serve once a month for 90 minutes and mentor the 4th graders in leadership. They express love and care and provide the students with a positive relationship with a dependable adult.
We need you! We know that the presence of just one positive adult relationship in the life of a child builds resilience and grit and provides them with the relational capital they need as they mature.
Build a meaningful relationship with a 4th grade student in just 90 minutes, one Friday afternoon a month, starting in September. We all come together and serve to spread love and provide a sense of community for 4th grade students and the whole school.
We are planning for 90 mentors. We are looking for anyone is has 90 minutes to spare once a month to invest in the life of a 4th-grader. We hope you join us in mentoring the next generation.
Be sure to select “Westcliff Elementary”
What does mentoring look like?
Mentoring has two parts, LEADERS Compass Time and Hang Time. Working in their LEADERS Compass workbook, students and mentors answer questions and do activities together to process the leadership trait of the day and discuss ways that it can be applied in their daily lives. Following the LEADERS Compass Time, students and mentors continue connecting one-on-one through Hang Time.
During Hang Time, mentors and students spend quality time playing a board game, reading a book, doing a craft, playing a game of toss or another outdoor activity. Hang Time is special time where relationships grow and students truly feel special and loved.
What are clubs?
Clubs are an opportunity for students at low-income schools to try something new. Westcliff clubs include Gardening by our own Phyllis S. and Patricia J., taekwondo by Helen E., golf by Mark W., volleyball, and cooking. Club leaders run two 45-minute sessions each month with about 10 students per session. Would you like to assist a club leader?
Please contact Kelly Soter-Gunn at kelly.soter-gunn@academy4.org or register at academy4.org/mentor .
How can i learn more?
Please contact Kelly Soter-Gunn at kelly.soter-gunn@academy4.org or register at academy4.org/mentor .
STORY
Being on the playground with my mentee is always fun as Ishmael always loves to demonstrate that he is a good athlete. Last Friday we decided to hit baseballs so after his turn he wanted me to try. Of course since I have not swung a bat in 20 plus years the first few attempts were strikes but then I got some tempo and hit the next few pitches. He was shocked but then I had to "show off" a bit and swing left handed. He was totally shocked when I was able to bat both ways so of course he had to try that too. All in all it was clearly a fun time to connect with him in a relaxed manner.