Communities in Schools plans for success in 2008

One-on-one mentoring helps at-risk students get ahead in class

Paige Richmond

of the Gateway

Staying after school for one hour a week probably doesn’t sound like much fun for most students, particularly when that hour is spent working on reading and math skills.

But for some students in the Peninsula School District, it’s the best part of their day, because they get to work one-on-one with their Communities in Schools of Peninsula mentors.

“When the kids see their mentor, they smile ear to ear,” said Kim Ballisiotes, a teacher at Artondale Elementary and a site coordinator for CIS.

The Peninsula program of CIS is part of a nationwide CIS network that works to keep students in school by building community support and resources. At each participating school — there are 10 in the PSD — CISP sets up after-school mentoring programs to help at-risk students.

Those who are performing below their grade level in reading or math are referred to the CISP program by their PSD teachers. Then they work one-on-one with an individual mentor to bring their skills up to speed.

The idea is that, by giving struggling students personal attention and creating a relationship with a mentor, it creates a positive, reassuring environment.

“Part of it is (providing) another opportunity for an adult to say, ‘We care about you; we can help,’ ’’ said Schultz, who was a teacher at Henderson Bay High School before working with CISP.

Just last week, CISP finished mentor training for its volunteers in the PSD. This year is looking to be the non-profit’s biggest yet, with volunteers in 10 schools.

That’s a big jump from eight years ago, when CISP first began operations; back then, the program was only available at Vaughn Elementary for students struggling with reading.

Speer stressed that CISP works alongside the school district to improve student learning by involving the community. The program isn’t a substitute for the day-to-day educational process.

“When schools can’t do it alone,” she said, “we need the community to step in.”

The community has stepped in for CISP by becoming volunteer mentors. And for mentors who have devoted several years to the program, it’s success stories that bring them back year after year.

“It’s really neat working one-and-one with a child and seeing those ‘ah-ha’ moments, when something you worked on with them really clicks,” said Ann Holder, a volunteer mentor at Artondale for the past four years.

After one year with a CISP mentor, most students advance by one to two grade levels in reading or math, Speer said.

Other mentors believe building relationships with students is the key to helping them succeed. Gale Otto, a retired Washington State Patrol officer, began volunteering with CISP at Artondale four years ago. Since then, he’s served as a mentor to two boys from the same family.

Otto said familiarity helps the students feel more comfortable asking questions when they may not understand the subject matter they’re studying.

Another important aspect of CISP is the site coordinators who are certified teachers, such as Ballisiotes at Artondale or Linda Shelley at Vaughn Elementary, who oversee the mentors at each school. Each site coordinator develops a different approach for their school to make sure students get tailored support.

Shelley offers rewards, snacks and extra computer time for her students, because “each child is motivated by a different thing,” she said.

Having the support of a site coordinator is part of what keeps mentors dedicated. Both Otto and fellow Artondale mentor Haven Doane credit Ballisiotes’ hard work for students’ progress at Artondale’s CISP program.

For Ballisiotes, CISP is all about the students.

“Student lives are changed,” Ballisiotes said. “Not only in their increased reading skills, but their positive attitude toward reading.”

Schools with CISP

For more information or to volunteer with Communities in Schools of Peninsula, visit www.cispeninsula.org or call 253-884-5733.

Math program

Harbor Ridge Middle School

Key Peninsula Middle School

Purdy Elementary School

A Kopachuck Middle School

Reading program

Harbor Heights Elementary

Vaughn Elementary

Evergreen Elementary

Artondale Elementary

Minter Creek Elementary

Study program

Peninsula High School

Reach Reporter and Columnist Paige Richmond at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at paige.richmond@gateline.com.