Mentors can provide a stable and nonjudgmental source of reassurance for mentees, and in turn, mentees can feel safe expressing hopes and fears about the new school to their mentors. If the mentoring relationship is well established, mentees may talk more openly than they would to a parent or school counselor and will be more likely to ask for-and listen to-their advice. Through conversations and actions, mentors can help mentees deal with their fears and identify the positive aspects of the move to middle school or high school.
     PBSKids.org has a page for kids on moving up to
middle school, with questions posted from kids, advice
from older youth, principals and mentors, and online
activities. (can be helpful for transition to high school)

 http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/

     Especially helpful is Making the transition:
Help your child navigate these typical middle school
challenges, which could easily be adapted by mentors.

   http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=2157

 

If a mentor needs more support in moving from the in-school mentoring at the Middle School to a community based mentoring, we have ideas on things to do in this newsletter under Quick Links. Also, we can arrange a meeting room at the IA Extension Office if you prefer to meet at a specific location each week or twice per month. Call 385-8126 and ask for Cassie.