Sabine officials hope mentors will make a difference in students' lives

A mentor is defined as a trusted friend or guide.

With that in mind, Sabine Elementary School has initiated a brand new mentoring program that officials hope will make a difference in the lives of its students — one child at a time.

Barbara Kenna, parent coordinator at the elementary campus for first through fifth graders, said Sabine ISD has been actively seeking people from all walks of life to join its CARDS program, short for Caring Adults Reaching Deserving Students. The program is designed to match adult mentors with kids who respond positively to encouragement.

So far, the response has been tremendous, with more than 60 volunteers signed up so far. Last week was the first time mentors began meeting with their mentees.

"We ask for 30 minutes to an hour once a month with the students. That's all we're asking," Kenna explained. "We understand everyone's time is precious, but if we can get them in here, we think we can hook 'em."

Mentors are also asked to make a one-year commitment.

Program organizers hope half an hour will literally translate to better attendance, greater appreciation of school and learn- ing, improved grades and social skills, respect for self and others, and better coping and problemsolving skills.

Stacey Bryce, SISD superintendent, said he noticed a positive change when his former employer began a similar program a few years ago.

"Henderson (ISD) did a program similar to this and it just makes a tremendous impact with those little kids; hopefully this will make a difference in their lives," Bryce said.

He said role models who spend a little time with the kids "can help to instill in them that making the right decisions is really important. It's reinforcing good behavior," he added. "It's not all about spending money to buy gifts but showing the kids you care about them and respect them."

It's a program that Kenna calls "near to her heart."

"We have a lot of students with needs, obstacles and challenges they have to face," Kenna said.

"Some kids don't know what it means to have goals, such as college, a trade, learning a skill," she said, adding some children have more base worries such as, "Will the electricity be cut off when they get home from school? Will Mom still be in bed when they get home? Will Daddy have enough money this month to put food on the table?"

Mentors come in all shapes in sizes. Kenna said volunteers range in age from high school seniors to stay-at-home moms to coaches and school board members to retirees.

"We've got quite a variety," Kenna added.

One of those mentors, 84- year-old Helen "Pudge" Griffin of Kilgore, said it could be as simple as the child just needing someone to listen.

"You get way more out of it than you put into it," Griffin said. "If you love children and just want to help them, just talk with them, ask what they like to do, read to them. I may sing and ask if she wants to sing with me. They often just need someone to listen to them."

Since Griffin already teaches Sunday school lessons to residents at the Gregg Home for the Aged every Friday (she's done so for 30 years), she requested to meet with her special student on Fridays.

A high school teacher for 25 years, Griffin said that even though she's not specifically trained for the younger kids, she "loves the little ones" and has taught them in Sunday school, as well.

Last week, she met with "the most precious little girl," Griffin said.

In honor of their first meeting, she wrote a poem for the girl, typed it up and gave it to her. The poem mentioned the child's name and she loved it. But, you don't have to be a retired educator to spend time with the youngsters.

"We worked a puzzle together, and while we were doing it, we talked and this and that, about her family. She is just darling. I fell in love with her," Griffin said.

"You think you're going to be a blessing to the child, but you are the one who will be blessed. That's what life is — caring for others," Kenna said.

All of the mentoring activities take place at school, and a room for mentors and their mentees has been set aside for the occasion.

Mentors and mentees could also meet outside of the campus, but only if the parents agree.

In fact, no student is accepted into the program with parental consent, Kenna said. The kids are first referred by their teachers to Kenna, and she then sends a letter home explaining the program and requesting permission.

The kids' response thus far has been phenomenal.

"They run up to me in the hall and say, 'Miss Kenna, when is my special friend coming?' I've become very popular on campus," Kenna said.