WESTFIELD – Changing lives – one hour at a time – is at the heart of the new Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and Westfield Education to Business Alliance mentoring program – and more mentors are still needed – especially in the elementary schools.
“I don’t think we could have enough mentors,” said Tina Macy, volunteer coordinator, Volunteers in Public Schools of Westfield, adding with several elementary schools there is always a need for “caring adults” who are willing to spend consistent time with students.
“We are excited to have begun this formal, structured mentoring program but mentoring often happens informally with caring adults, teachers and coaches,” said Macy. “Mentoring helps us to have a more objective look at our behaviors, goals, and motivation in an environment that is constructive for growth and change.”
Kate Phelon, executive director of the Westfield Chamber, echoed those sentiments.
“Based upon the mission of the Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA), I felt it was extremely important for myself and business members of the WE2BA to support the mission by becoming mentors,” said Phelon. “After hearing about the need for mentors and the impact it can have on students of all grade levels, it was easy for me to support the initiative, as well as become a mentor.”
Individuals interested in the mentoring program are asked to spend up to 60 minutes a week at an assigned school with a student, developing a consistent, positive, healthy relationship. Potential mentors need to complete an application through Macy’s department which includes a background check. An orientation session is then scheduled and ongoing support is also provided if needed.
“Being a mentor helps us to share our time, talents, experiences, and our concern with a young person and build a bridge between the generation gaps that exist,” said Macy.
While elementary schools are in particular need of mentors, Jennifer Kinsman, director of community impact and engagement, United Way of Pioneer Valley, chose a high school student.
Jennifer Kinsman, director of community impact and engagement with the United Way of Pioneer Valley, is participating in a new mentoring program in the Westfield Public Schools.
“My mentee is a 10th grader at Westfield High School,” said Kinsman. “I opted to be a mentor because I work at United Way of Pioneer Valley and we were an integral part of the WE2BA group, and I felt I should put my time where my mouth was.”
Kinsman noted she had been a mentor in the past and always enjoyed the experience.
“I decided to ask for a high school student because I thought that would be the age group that would challenge me the most,” said Kinsman.
Kinsman said the girl she meets with weekly will often bring a friend to sit and talk as well.
“She has goals in life and a great, wry sense of humor, and I think that sometimes she just needs someone to talk to,” said Kinsman. “We talk about school, family life, future career, and sometimes I help her with homework.”
Christopher J. Rogers, administrator of student interventions with the Westfield Public Schools, shared a similar sentiment when talking about his mentee – a third grade student at Paper Mill Elementary School.
“I wanted to become a mentor because as a parent and lifelong educator, I know the difference it can make when a child has a trusted adult as a mentor who can be a role model and can provide support and guidance,” said Rogers, noting he uses a variety of activities to engage the student.
Christopher J. Rogers, administrator of student interventions for the Westfield Public Schools, is participating in the new mentoring program initiative, coordinated by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and the Westfield Education to Business Alliance.
“We have read books together, had discussions that focused on academics and overall success in school, played sports and games for the purpose of perseverance and strategic planning and thinking, as well as engaging in goal setting and activities developing a growth mindset emphasizing always trying to do our best even when things become difficult,” said Rogers.
Phelon concurred.
“I look forward to seeing my mentee each week to see if there is progress and to discuss goals and such,” said Phelon.
Christopher Manfredi, assistant principal, Munger Hill Elementary School, encourages local residents and particularly the business community, to consider being a mentor.
“Mentoring for our students provides them with a trusting relationship that brings students together with someone who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement,” said Manfredi.
Kinsman also encourages adults to consider being a mentor.
“There are plenty of people in our communities who would be fabulous mentors,” said Kinsman. “I have found that I receive far more out of it than I think I am giving. It gives me a glimpse into the world of a teenager, and being a teenager is not easy these days.”
Phelon added that being a mentor can be a “priceless” experience.
“This initiative is another way to bridge business to education – part of the WE2BA mission,” said Phelon.
For Rogers, the mentoring role has also brought him full circle in his career choice.
“Personally, when I was a high school senior in my last month of high school, I was still undecided about my plans for after graduation,” said Rogers. “My physical education teacher, who served a dual role as teacher and mentor, helped me with this process and ultimately with my decision to attend Springfield College to become a physical educator and coach. Without his guidance, I may not be where I am today in my career.”
For more information on the mentoring program, contact Macy at (413) 572-6345 or via email to [email protected].
