The K-8 mentoring class is now expanding upon the relationships that they are building with their student mentees, whom they met with for the first time just a couple of weeks ago.

“Since the first time I met the kids, my kids at least, they’ve definitely become more comfortable with me, they’ve gotten used to the routine of me coming once a week and I’m starting to notice that they’re kind of opening up a little more to me, kind of seeing me more as a friend than just this person that used to come once a week,” said Sherry Rizkalla, K-8 mentor and senior. “They kind of see me as less of a teacher and more as one of her classmates.”

Robin Pletcher, teacher of the K-8 mentoring class, said she knew what her students’ progress will mean. “It has the opportunity to have a great impact on a child’s life,” Pletcher said.

The class will continue to meet Fridays for lessons on working out problems with their mentees, according to Rizkalla.

“The fact that you see that you’re making such a difference for these kids is really, really satisfying,” Rizkalla said.