The exciting and new mentor program at AE/MS is not only building school community; it is helping students contribute to an atmosphere where they can feel good about themselves and each other.

Research states that a predictor of students’ ability to function successfully in school, both socially and academically, is caring and trusting friendships across grade levels.   That’s what we are doing here at AE/MS..

Students from grades 7 and 8 are paired with students from the early elementary levels to read, do activities, share snacks, or just talk about their day. Once a month all mentors and buddies gather in the library to celebrate with some non-competitive games and activities where they get the opportunity to feel part of a bigger group within the school building.

The younger children love seeing their buddies and mentors throughout their school day. It gives them purpose and a sense of importance and belonging. It allows the older students to experience themselves as caring, competent, and valued, while the younger students can experience themselves as worthy of special attention and kindness. These children are not just coming and going to school each day, they are now an even closer part of an extended school family.