Since November, Ottumwa High School juniors and seniors have been using their free first or seventh period to spend time mentoring a Wilson Elementary student.
Wilson Principal, Jeff Hendred, found a need for some of his elementary students to have more support while in school. A partnership with OHS was created. Elementary students were identified by their teachers and a high school student was paired to work a Wilson student on a two month basis. The mentor is not a tutor, but simply takes on the role of a big brother or sister to spend an hour in the classroom weekly with their assigned student. They work with them during class, talk with them, and become a positive role model. On Tuesday, December 17, all students met as a group to talk about the experience and have some treats before the holidays.
The partnership will continue next semester.