November 17th - 25th

I can't believe we're approaching Thanksgiving already! The mentors at Scott Carpenter have been working to decide what success looks like for their mentees and for themselves. We started out by defining what success looks like for them and they came up with things like getting high test scores, being respectful, being organized, turning in work, and having positive attitudes.

Then, we examined what success might look like for their mentees, who will probably have a different set of standards. The kids devised a list that included releasing emotions in a healthy way, improving grades, and getting along with teachers, peers, and family. This opened up a good dialogue regarding how people tend to define success differently and I plan to revisit this concept in December to help the mentors think of strategies for setting realistic goals and expectations.

Next, each class created a list of character traits exhibited by successful people. They had some wonderful ideas: optimistic, engaged, open-minded, loyal, and perseverant.

Finally, every student chose a character trait to write onto an index card. I assembled their cards and added them to a display in the room! 

I also had some wonderful visits from Carlo, Helen, Sin, and Holly this week! The support and encouragement I received is extremely meaningful.

The big planning task this week was to create a list of possible mentees. Courtesy of the administrators and guidance department, I was able to give Tony a spreadsheet with more than seventy names on it! I'm hoping that fifty of those students confirm that they are able to participate and I can start matching mentors with mentees next month.

November 10th - 14th

I can't believe the mentors and I have been working together for three weeks already! Time has flown by and the students are starting to understand what mentoring is and why it's important.

Because they are starting to feel comfortable with one another, each class devised a set of "shared agreements," which function alongside regular classroom rules. The process we used to create these agreements involved a discussion about what the students and the group need to create a safe, respectful, productive, learning community. As a group, we brainstormed a list of specific behaviors and then  physically agreed to each item by giving a thumbs up. If a student disagreed with something, we took the time to talk about the item and come to a compromise.

This idea came from a book I borrowed from the YESS office, The 5 Dimensions of Engaged Teaching: A Practical Guide for Educators, written by Laura Weaver and Mark Wilding. I highly recommend it!

In addition to creating these lists, the students voted on a design for the YESS class shirts and researched charities we might work with to complete our service learning project.

Behind the scenes, I've been working with the guidance counselors and administrators to come up with a list of mentees. So far, I have been given 45 names and I'll be meeting these students regarding the opportunity to join YESS.

Next week, we will generate action plans and begin to implement the kids' ideas to address hunger in our community. We'll also be diving into some of the students' fears about becoming mentors and practicing strategies to overcome their anxieties.

November 3rd - 7th

As I get to know the mentors better, I'm beginning to see the fundamental value in what YESS is doing for students. Specifically, I was able to facilitate fascinating conversations regarding leadership and what that looks like. I showed a TED Talk that explained the "Why, How, and What" of Simon Sinek's Golden Circle, then asked the kids to create their own versions. They were tasked with answering the following questions:

- Why are you in this class?
- How do you plan to be a successful mentor?
- What do you think success will look like?

Each student completed their circles and colored them before hanging them around the room. Some of my favorite examples are below.

Additionally, the students took a couple of days to design YESS shirts. Check out their creativity!

This week, we'll be voting on our favorite shirt design and getting it approved by the school administrators. We will also be continuing our service learning project by researching local charities that address hunger.