Aldine Partners With Big Brothers Big Sisters for Mentor Program

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ High School Bigs Mentoring Program kicked off their Match introduction session at Bussey Elementary, which introduced the Aldine High School Bigs volunteers with their Bussey Elementary Littles. The kickoff also marks the start of the new partnership between Aldine and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through the mentor program, “Bigs” from Aldine High School will be paired with “Littles” from Bussey Elementary.

The initial meeting was to create an opportunity for bonding and familiarity between the two students through various icebreakers. BBBS also administers personality tests for the students before they meet. This is to ensure that they have good matchings with the various students, and so the wishes of the Littles’ parents, in regard to the Match, can be taken into consideration as well.

The program was started to benefit the students of Aldine. “The mentoring relationship that we envision is one where both mentor and mentee recognize the need for personal development, and that aids our students in becoming the person they want to be, “said Executive Director of Social Emotional Learning and Culture, Dr. Lorenzo Moore. “We believe that this special relationship will impact students’ lives, thinking, and dreams.”

Along with introducing the Bigs to the Littles, the students also used the initial meeting to go over their agreement paperwork. The agreement discussed overall guidelines for the program and what they can expect from the mentorship. For example, they may go over homework together, help in classes, read books or play various games and activities.

While the introductions took place before the summer, the mentoring program will resume in the fall of 2022, and the pairing will meet after school twice a month on Wednesdays for the duration of the 2022-23′ school year.