Fifth Grade Mentor Program 2021
Time to Wonder
Is there something you have always wanted to see, experience or try out for yourself?What are you curious about? Is there a professional you would like to follow around for one day? Do you have a hobby that you wish you could spend more time exploring?
The Vinson-Owen Mentor Program is your opportunity to pursue a special interest or talent by working with a mentor or expert from the community. The program is a voluntary, extracurricular activity. There is no grading and there is the chance to have a lot of fun! The Mentor Program is available to all 5th grade students. Your project may be in any area or field of interest. Past students have worked with artists, musicians, teachers, authors, car racers, fashion designers and veterinarians, to name a few.
Time to Explore
Students may work individually or in groups. Typically students meet with their mentors 1-3 times to learn about the mentor’s area of expertise.
Time to Share
Students will prepare a short video or slideshow presentation (3-4 minutes) to share what they have learned from their mentor. The pre-recorded video/slideshow presentation will need to be submitted by May 3, 2021. The program concludes with a Mentor Night which will be held over Zoom on an evening in mid-May (date currently TBD), for families and students to view each other’s presentations.
The Role of the Student
The student involved in the Mentor Program is an initiator who:
Chooses a topic or area of interest to pursue
Identifies strategies for learning more about the topic
Is involved with arranging meetings with the mentor
Shares learning through a visual and oral presentation at Mentor Night
The Role of the Parent
The parent supports the student and mentor by:
Supporting the student in selecting a topic and identifying a mentor
Assisting in managing the project’s progress by communicating with student, mentor, and mentor committee
Helping to arrange meetings
Attending Mentor Night (via zoom)
The Role of the Mentor
The Mentor supports the student by:
Meeting with the student, sharing information and expertise
Providing direction in location of resources
Arranging opportunities for hands-on experience, where applicable
Assisting the student in preparing for Mentor night
Optional: Viewing Mentor Night presentation via Zoom
Meeting with a mentor can be over the phone or on Zoom, Skype or Facetime. If arrangements are made to meet in person, be certain to observe all COVID protocols - wear a mask, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet, and remember to wash hands/sanitize frequently.
If your child chooses to participate, the form should be completed as soon as a mentor has been identified, but no later than April 2, 2021.
We strongly encourage parents to reach out to friends, colleagues and relatives to connect with a suitable mentor. If your child is interested in the program but cannot locate a mentor, please contact Audrey Siciliano (see below) for assistance. Also please contact Audrey if you would like to volunteer as a mentor to a student.
