St. Ann School Buddy Mentorship Program

St. Ann School Buddy Mentorship Program 

The first year at a new school can be both exciting and challenging. For the youngest students at St. Ann’s (I.e. Kindergarteners) it can also feel a little overwhelming. It takes time to adjust to a new environment, meet new kids, and get used to being around lots of older kids. This is where our school’s Buddy Mentorship Program comes into play. Having an older student be a Buddy Mentor to a lower grade level student significantly impacts their school experience in a beneficial way.

What is the Buddy Program?

This is a special St. Ann student mentorship program which places an upper grade level student with a lower grade student. First, an 8th grade student is paired with a Kindergartner. Additionally, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students are also placed with a middle school “buddy”. These Buddy Mentors provide support, guidance and encouragement - along with their friendly face! - to intentionally foster a positive academic experience of belonging. The school quickly becomes that of a familial community. The young ones look up to the older kids with admiration and respect, and the older kids learn the practice and importance of leadership and positive role modeling.

The Role of Buddy Mentor 

• Social Support: Older buddies help the younger buddies feel connected to and familiar with the school environment and community. They help them to navigate things like ordering hot lunch and sitting in the lunchroom. For Thursday morning mass, they will sit with their buddy and help them with religious practices and role model good behavior. 
• Academic Support: Older buddies often read to and with their younger buddy. They’ll lead them in fun learning activities to develop reading, writing and math skills. Together they work on crafts and art projects.
• Enrichment Support: Buddies participate together in walking field trips to Livreise Norwegian Heritage Center, the Criddle Park Halloween Party, Syttende Mai, and Nazareth to play games and puzzles with the residents. At the end of the year, buddies get to go to the zoo together! Other special activities include the school Thanksgiving Feast and December Polar Express Party.

There are many opportunities for older buddies to foster this mentorship relationship. This becomes such a school highlight for the little buddies to have their very own big “buddy” to do special activities with. It’s also evident the older students take pride in their role.  

What is the power of our Buddy Program? 

• Better social skills: Buddy Mentors can help Buddy Mentees develop positive interactions and adapt well to school. Buddy Mentors develop leadership characteristics, self-confidence, self-worth and enhanced social skills.
• Higher self-esteem and self-confidence: Buddy Mentors can help Buddy Mentees develop self-esteem and self-confidence by welcoming them into a new community and showing them the ropes. Buddy Mentees quickly develop a sense of belonging, “where everybody knows their name.” On the flip side, the increased responsibility and leadership opportunities for Buddy Mentors can be a very rewarding experience. 
• Stronger relationships: Buddy Mentorship can help Buddy Mentees develop stronger relationships with teachers, peers and the rest of the student body. The bonds these buddies develop with each other often extend beyond the school year. Babysitting and showing support for one another at extracurricular activities are just a couple examples. 
• Support - Buddy Mentees get a cheerleader from day one to boost their self confidence. They get help with problem solving new experiences since their Buddy Mentor has “been there, done that.” 
• Improved behavior: Buddy Mentorship can help improve behavior, both at home and at school by providing a strong support system and positive school experience.

Our Buddy Program breaks down the boundary lines between upper and lower level grades. Everyone interacts and gets to know one another. Buddy mentees get a role model to walk alongside them throughout the school year. This makes them feel seen, known and cared for. Buddy Mentors develop leadership skills and a sense of meaning that will be carried with them far into the future. Furthermore, an intentional community of support is cultivated all year long amongst the entire student body.