Hello Mentor Family,
How are you all doing? We are continuously thinking of you and hoping for health and peace during this time. Like I said last week, if you know that your mentee and their family are struggling in some way and you’re not sure how to help, please reach out to us. We are aware of resources for free meals, free internet, community resources and health resources that we are eager to let you and your mentee know about. You can also check-out some of those resources at https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/mmsd-covid-19-updates. Likewise, if YOU are struggling and need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out as well!
On-line school starts the week of April 6th for all MMSD students. Keep this in mind as you check-in with your mentee. Their needs and availability may change as they navigate this new way of doing school.
Don’t forget to follow us and tag us on social media! Look for IntentionalMentoringMadison on FB, Instagram and Twitter!
Challenge for the week:
For April, the challenges will center around the theme of Earth Day. However, I want to sneak in one more literacy challenge. This week, the challenge is to write an email, card or social media post to show appreciation, support, hope and encouragement to someone on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis. First responders, health care professionals, police officers, fire fighters, military workers and even grocery store and gas station employees. You can check out this website for some contact info. Plan to meet with your mentee over the phone, email or other virtual platform to draft the words of encouragement and then either send them separately or together. You’ll be spending time with your mentee while also spreading joy!
TIP of the WEEK: The mission of Intentional Mentoring is to have Mentors interact with school, community, and families in order to strengthen the support network for students facing adversity. Right now it may seem difficult for you to interact with your mentee’s school. I would argue that this may be the best time to interact with your mentee’s teachers because they’re not nearly as overwhelmed with work as usual, meaning, more time to email you! If you haven’t reached out to your mentee’s teachers in awhile, or ever, try it now. Check-in on their plans for on-line learning so that you have a better understanding of what your mentee may need help with. Ask about your mentee’s progress prior to schools closing. Ask about any additional skills you may be able to help them with and/or encourage them to work on during this time. Right now it’s really important not to forget about school and the learning that must continue to happen. And remember, the more people in your mentee’s life that you are in communication with, the stronger the circle of support around them is.
We love seeing photos of you and your mentee spending time together! Please share them with us via your coach or using the hashtag #intentionalmentoringmadison
REMINDER: ALL COACHING MEETINGS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. REACH OUT TO YOUR COACH FOR SPECIFIC DAY, TIME AND PLATFORM INFO.
Mentor Coaching Group Meeting Dates:
MARILYN: Tuesday, April 28th 7-8 p.m. marilyn@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
VAL: Tuesday, April 14th 5:30-:30 p.m. val@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
ASHLEY: During the week of April 15th 7-8 a.m. ashley@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
RYAN: Monday, April 6th 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Ryan@intentionalmentoringmadison.org
Upcoming Events to Note:
BRAT FEST is coming . . . but not when we thought it would be. Brat Fest has been moved to the end of August. Until we are closer and have more information, we’re holding off on signing up volunteers. If you have already signed up, thank you! We’ll be in touch in August 🙂
- If your mentee and/or their family are in need of any free meals during this uncertain time, please check out the YMCA’s post 7 Free Food Sites
- There are a lot of cool and FREE events at the Dream Bank on E. Washington St.. Check out the AmFam Dream Bank site for more info and to register.
- For a listing of local events checkout www.MadisonWithKids.com
- Free Library Events/Activities: Fitchburg Events Calendar Madison Events Calendar
- For Orchard Ridge events check Orchard Ridge Calendar
- For Toki events check Toki Calendar
- For Sennett events check Sennett Calendar
- For Cherokee events check Cherokee Calendar
- For Blackhawk events check Blackhawk Calendar
- For JMM HS events check Memorial HS Calendar
- For West HS events checkWest HS Calendar
- For La Follette HS events check La Follette Calendar
If you have a change in personal information (phone/address/email) please respond to this email or notify your mentor coach ASAP.
QUOTE of the WEEK
All the best,
Intentional Mentoring