For the second continuous year, Fisher Elementary School has implemented a mentor program that provides students with a high school student to provide extra help on learning activities, assignments and extra socialization. The mentorship program is held every other Wednesday from January until June.
The WHS students were chosen through a specific process in order to become mentors. Students were required to provide reasons of interest for joining the program in order to be accepted. Additionally, they were required to get a recommendation form signed by a teacher to vouch for their suitability to serve as mentors in the program.
In last year’s program, each classroom was given one mentor who would work with specific students. The program has made beneficial changes this year in order to accommodate students’ needs, allowing the mentor to have time focusing on all students within the classroom. Focusing on students individually has found to have a larger impact and generated more positivity within the program.
Principal of Fisher Elementary School, Brian Bermiss, decided to create this program, along with other Fisher teachers, in order to create larger areas of support for elementary age students in terms of socialization and peer-based learning.
“By working with the high school mentors, we hope our students gain a sense of perspective. Our WHS mentors inspire our students to see that there is a big world of opportunities beyond elementary school,” Bermiss said.
Some examples of mentor and student activities may include reading, math work, STEM activities and preparation for Battle of the Books. Mentors assist in this program through reading with students, and engaging in conversations about their books.
“Something new this year is that the mentors have taken an active role in our ‘Battle of the Books’ program, playing a key part in ensuring participating students read the required number of books,” Bermiss said.
When teachers aren’t available for students, mentors are able to step in and help with reading comprehension, math work and other essential skills needed in the classroom.
“I have loved being a part of these students’ academic careers where I can help them learn and where I can pick up on my own skills regarding teaching,” WHS student mentor Gloria Wilmot said.
Many of the selected students who have contributed to this program plan to further their post-graduate education in teaching, or other child development occupations. Many use this opportunity to gain experience working with children in an educational environment.
“I’ve enjoyed this program throughout my participation during the past two years it has run. I plan to go into elementary education in college, and this program sets me up for success in my future workplace,” Wilmot said. “The mentorship program helps me grow relationships with the students and continue to encourage them throughout their education.”
The Fisher Elementary mentor program plans to continue throughout the rest of the 2025 school year and for many years to come.
“These past two years have been a great experience for me in the classroom, Wilmot said.” “I feel even more confident going into college with prior experience in a classroom and working with kids that many students don’t have the opportunity to take part in. This is a wonderful program for both mentors and students.”
