Kewaunee schools launch new lunch buddy initiative

KEWAUNEE – Thanks to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, a new lunch buddy initiative is now available at Kewaunee schools, benefiting both students and community members.

The program has been in development for several years, dating back to before the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Our program will bring adults from the community into schools to be mentors for the kids,” said Keren Cotter, program specialist and recruitment manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin.

This initiative mirrors others already in place in Brown, Oconto and Door counties.

“We know how effective it is and how much our kids are benefiting from having mentors visit them at school,” said Cotter. “We’ve seen that from our other sites, so we’re really excited to bring that to Kewaunee.”

Community members 18 years and older will be able to meet with students once a week during their lunch and recess.

Mentors can engage with students by playing games, offering advice and helping them develop social and emotional skills.

“It helps them develop friendships and social skills, and it gives them an extra person cheering them on,” said Cotter. “They become more confident and resilient, which helps them avoid negative or risky behaviors.”

Cotter added that kids with mentors are also more likely to graduate high school and go on to college, trade school or a successful career.

“School partners have talked about how kids in our program have gotten better in the classroom,” she said. “Attendance improves because they want to see their Big. For students struggling with attendance, knowing their Big will be there makes them more likely to come to school.”

In addition to giving students a positive role model and helping them build confidence, the program offers numerous benefits for mentors.

The program allows adults to connect with a younger generation, take their minds off a busy day and pass on their wisdom and advice.

“A lot of our mentors say it’s a way for them to take their minds off their busy lives and focus on the simple things,” said Cotter. “Each generation is very different, and this program gives our mentors an opportunity to pass along some of the values of their generation. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Mentor Connor Curtis shared, “[Mentoring] made me appreciate being in the position I am and the opportunities I have been given. It helps you appreciate both the big and little things in life that can be overlooked when life gets busy—just by seeing how happy your Little is to hang out with you and say that you are their Big.”

Similarly, mentors Sam and Nick Stellmacher encouraged others to get involved,“Don’t hesitate. There are so many wonderful kids waiting to meet you and grow with you. The time you spend together and the positive changes you can make in each other’s lives is amazing and worth it. Just have fun with it.”

Before becoming a mentor, community members must go through an enrollment and approval process, which takes about three weeks. Mentors are then assigned a student and asked to make a year-long commitment to the role.

For more information, visit https://bbbsnew.org/be-a-big.