Mentoring is twice as nice for Scott Crabtree Mentoring at H . H . Beam Elementary is twice as nice for
Scott Crabtree
When Scott Crabtree first signed up to be a mentor in Gaston County Schools , he thought he would be asked to help students with math or reading . It turned out to be more fun and rewarding .
As a mentor to two fourth grade students at H . H . Beam Elementary School , he has spent time playing bocce ball , making paper airplanes , and building a model car along with other activities . With two mentees , the experience is “ twice as nice ” for Crabtree .
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Crabtree said he chose to volunteer at H . H . Beam because “ I think volunteering in this way is a great opportunity to care for our community .”
He quickly realized that mentoring wasn ’ t so much about working on academic skills . “ It was more about just having a break for the kids - something they can look forward to , something that ’ s different ,” he said .
Crabtree recognizes that it makes a difference when he shows up each week just to spend time with the boys . “ It ’ s the relational piece that is most important ,” he said . “ Being able to model what was modeled for me when I was that age is an incredible opportunity .”
The mentoring program is an important way for the community to come alongside teachers and invest in our schools , Crabtree believes . “ I welcome the opportunity to lend a hand .” Because community members take time to volunteer , he said , teachers and staff members can know “ all these people really care about these kids , and we ’ re not alone .”
He also appreciates how flexible the program is . With a job that frequently takes him on trips around the country or even overseas , he is able to make changes to his mentoring schedule as needed .
Unlike test scores and the letters on a report card , a mentor ’ s impact can ’ t be measured , but Crabtree said he was able to catch a glimpse of it one afternoon last spring . He and his mentees were outside working on a paper airplane kit when a few students from another class noticed what was happening and immediately came over to join in . He remembers them asking his students , “ Oh man , how can I get a mentor ?”
“ It is just really neat for the two boys ,” Crabtree said . “ They had something that somebody else wanted .”
Thank you , Scott Crabtree , and all mentors in our schools for making a difference !
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Become a Mentor Are you the one caring adult who can be a positive influence in a child ’ s life ? If you are , you should become involved in our mentoring program . All it takes is giving one hour a week to offer help , provide support , and serve as a role model to a student - just like Scott Crabtree does . Visit www . gaston . k12 . nc . us for more information and to register for our next training session .
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Parent Teacher Magazine • March / April • 3