Ellenville’s mentorship program, which pairs “graduating” Elementary School students with High School seniors, is off to an excellent start this year, with twice as many Grade 6 students participating in the activities. The goal of the program, which is led by Ellenville Elementary School Assistant Principal Heather Heidelberg and Districtwide Case Worker Briana Mangram, is to help make the young learners’ transitions to the Junior/Senior High School next year a little smoother.
The student pairs have already met a few times, and their bonding was clearly apparent this week—with plenty of hugs and high fives to go around—as they engaged in a spirited scavenger hunt, designed to familiarize the incoming students with their new environment.
The scavenger hunt tasked students with traveling to various locations throughout the building, meeting teachers and staff, and obtaining stickers as proof. As soon as Ms. Mangram said the words “Ready, set go!”, the students were off like a shot, setting about their journey to locate such teachers as Mrs. Sadow in her Business classroom, Ms. Golliher in the school Library and Media Center, and Ms. Rowan and her “mice” in the Art room. The groups were excited to try their hand at making a shot from the foul line in the gymnasium, or taking a “selfie” with Student Resource Officer Conde. In addition, the hunters tracked down Junior/Senior High School administrators to say “hello,” visited the school’s TV/Radio station with Mr. Lukaszewski, and found the “Care Closet,” where students are welcome to browse for free articles of clothing and hygiene products. The students were also introduced to Junior/Senior High School Co-Principal Susan Irland and met many other staff members throughout the two buildings.
“The mentors and mentees loved the scavenger hunt!” said Ms. Mangram. “The younger students felt like the High School was a fun maze, while their mentors were really proud to show them around their school.”
“It makes my heart smile every time we get these sixth and twelfth grade students together,” said Ms. Heidelberg. “The beauty of having PreK-6 buildings on one campus is it allows us to build these relationships and bridge the gap between Elementary and Secondary school.”
“In addition, we are creating leaders of our future,” she added. “Our seniors are passing on their knowledge while sharing their own experiences and they are able to impact the younger generation of students in ways that are priceless.”
The first pair of students to win, senior Daniela Membreno and Grade 6 student Jahaira Lopez, received a prize. “My mentor told me to get used to a lot of walking,” said Jahaira. “And I really liked going around and meeting the teachers. It gave me a chance to see where some of my classes will be next year.”
“The scavenger hunt was pretty cool,” said Grade 6 student Wyatt Pickell. “It was nice to do something different,” said his classmate Liam Cain. Both students agreed that “It’s not as confusing as you think to get around!”
Senior mentors also enjoyed the experience. "It was fun, and nice seeing how excited they were,” said Christian "Iris" Durmonay Lopez. “A few students even said they felt more comfortable coming to the Junior High School next year after doing this."
“My mentees had such a fun time seeing the high school and playing the game. It was also a great way to connect with them and work as a team together,” said Caleigh Cain.