FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
The follow is a list of questions and answers regarding our In-School Mentoring program.  Please feel free to contact us at anytime should you have any additional questions.  We would love to hear from you.

What is the In-SchoolMentoring Program?

·         An opportunity for selected children primarily in grades 1-5 to benefit from a one-to-one mentoring relationship with a caring, reliable young adult or adult.

·         A way to expand children’s information about the world beyond their own family and neighborhood.

·         A joint program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District and the Near North District School Board.

How does it work?

·         Each volunteer (called a Mentor) becomes a special friend to one child.

·         Mentors visit with their child (called a Mentee) at their school.

·         Visits are during school hours for one hour per week from September to the end of June.

·         The Mentee and the Mentor spend their time in ways that are of interest to the child (i.e. physical activity such as sports; playing board games, visiting the school library to read; talking; drawing; making things; cooking; playing on the computer; admiring the child’s school work).

Who are the Mentors?

·         volunteers who are screened with references, a police clearance, and an interview

·         volunteers who are trained and supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District

·         volunteers may be college or university students, adults who are working in the community or who are now retired

·         caring women and men

·         people who like children, relate well to them and want to be helpful

·         people who commit themselves to this volunteer work for one school year, but may be available to continue with the same child for more than a year.

Who are the children in the program?

·         Children primarily in grades 1-5

·         Children who will benefit from the support and friendship of an adult volunteer

·         The child identified to participate has demonstrated a need for additional school and community support to ensure their continued school involvement.

What is the role of the parents/guardians whose child is to participate in the In-School Mentoring Program?

·         Parents’/guardians’ written consent is required. This is arranged by school staff.

·         Parents/guardians to support your child’s friendship with the Mentor.

·         Parents/guardians are welcome to meet the Mentor at the school.

·         Notice how your child reacts to the Mentor’s visits (whether she/he looks forward to them).

·         Report any concerns to the school immediately.

·         Provide feedback to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District if you chose to.

·         Allow your child to take things to school to show the Mentor or to play with during their visits.

·         Share information with the school staff about your child’s interests and needs so a suitable match with a Mentor can be made.

·         Call the school when your child is absent on the day that the Mentor is to visit.

·         Ask questions about the program before agreeing to participate.

·         Be aware that there are a limited number of Mentors available, and matches may not be possible for all children.

What is the role of the School in the In-School Mentoring Program?

·         Carefully consider which children would benefit most from the program.

·         Contact parents/guardians about the opportunity for their child to have a Mentor.

·         Speak to the children whose parents/guardians agree to their participation in the In-School Mentoring Program.

·         Introduce children to Mentors.

·         Observe children’s reactions to visits.

·         Report any concerns to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District

·         Be sure Mentors are wearing approved identification.

·         Provide adequate space for the Mentors and Mentees to use.

·         Provide some activities or materials for crafts, drawing, sports, etc.

·         Give feedback to Mentors about the impact of the program.

What might be the benefits of this extra adult attention for the children?

·         Children may feel more special.

·         Children may feel better about themselves.

·         Children may become more self-confident in their ability to succeed.

·         Children may become more comfortable in making friends.

·         Children may become interested in the kind of work or school studies the Mentors are involved in and see the importance of staying in school.

·         Schoolwork may improve because of this positive experience during the school year.

·         School attendance may improve because the child feels better about being in school.

What don’t Mentors do?

·         Don’t offer counselling to the child

·         Don’t necessarily have to do tutoring or help with schoolwork.

·         Mentors are not to contact Mentees by phone or email or meet with them outside of school hours.

·         Mentors are not to give children expensive gifts.

·         Mentors are not to punish children (for example: physically punish or tell a child that they will cancel a visit if they have misbehaved at school)

·         Mentors are not expected to provide food for the children.

What else should you know?

·         There is a ISM Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters who can help with questions or concerns. You can call at(705) 474-3041.

·         There is a School Liaison for the In-School Mentoring Program at the school.

·         The school staff and Big Brothers Big Sisters are very pleased to be in this partnership.

·         Parents/guardians are encouraged to meet the Mentor at the child’s school.

·         Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the School Liaison at the school and the ISM Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters with any questions or concerns or simply to express their opinions about the program