St. Anthony of Padua School 8th Grade/Kindergarten Mentorship Program
The St. Anthony of Padua School family has a unique mentorship program that personifies their school mission statement and echoes their yearly school theme; it is called the “8th Grade/Kindergarten Buddy Program.” The year begins with a “getting to know you” lesson where the 8th grade and Kindergarten students use their interviewing skills to better get to know one other. Throughout the year the 8th grade assists their “buddies” at every liturgical celebration. In addition, the students meet each month for special lessons in Religion, Science, Social Studies and Math. The students also pray for each other as they journey through the school year.
Highlights of the program in the past have been assisting each other during the “Halloween Walk” to the senior center, learning about the saints together and creating life sized saint posters, creating “Nativity Story Boxes” at Christmas time, learning about protecting our oceans via special projects created for and displayed during Catholic Schools Week and, praying for and preparing special “Easter Prayer Gift Bags” for the Confirmation candidates in our parish. By participating in this unique program of mentorship, the 8th grade is cognizant on a daily basis of their responsibility to be positive role models for the younger students. As the older children walk into the lunch room each day they are often greeted warmly by their little “buddy.”
The genuine support between both grade levels is felt throughout the SAS community. During the 2008-2009 school year, each of the grades created “buddy” programs where an upper grade class worked on a special Catholic Schools Week project with a younger grade. The projects were creative and educational and the spirit of community was wonderful!
