Ways to Utilize Peer Athletes II

Other Real Life Examples of Athletes' Making a Difference

Southwestern Oklahoma University Head Football Coach Dan Coccanouer has had his football staff and team go to Burcham Elementary School's Early Bird Readers Program at 7:30 a.m.  Coccannouer is an example of positive leadership and dedication to helping the very young read. 

Every coach can use his or her athletes to make a difference whether he or she is actually present or not. 

Excerpts about the University of Oklahoma Men's Gymnastics Team 

Highlights

Team members assigned to a teacher to make weekly visits to tutor and mentor

Team hosts a school night at a home meet (or game); younger peers serve as personnel

Team performs at a school assembly

"OU HONORED FOR VOLUNTEER WORK"

April 24, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. - The Oklahoma men's gymnastics team was honored Friday, April 24, by United Way and Junior League of Norman. Cleveland Elementary nominated the men’s gymnastics team for a Volunteer of the Year award for its work at Norman's Cleveland Elementary School.

The Sooners have joined the Norman school in a "Partners in Education" program developed by Cleveland music teacher Regina Bell and OU head coach Mark Williams, a former English teacher.  Members of the men's gymnastics team are assigned to a teacher and make weekly visits to their classroom throughout the year to tutor and mentor the students.

OU hosts an annual "Cleveland Elementary Night" at a home gymnastics meet.  This season the Sooners welcome Cleveland students, teachers and parents for a home meet each year at the Howard McCasland Field House. Students had the opportunity to serve as junior judges, score flashers, march-in leaders, junior PA announcer and award presenters at the meet.

Days before the "Cleveland Elementary Night" competition, the team performed a demonstration at a school assembly, showing off their skills on floor exercise, parallel bars, vault and pommel horse. 

http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=208407175

Ret. 6-21-16

Benefits

Fundraising

Role modeling

Encouraging academics and athletics

"OU GYMNASTS VOLUNTEER AT CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY"

Sept. 30, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team continued its commitment to the Norman community Thursday by volunteering at Cleveland Elementary’s Jog-a-Thon fundraiser.

Members of the OU squad helped encourage the students throughout the event by cheering from the sidelines and running laps alongside them. The Jog-a-Thon, Cleveland Elementary’ s only fundraiser of the school year, helps earn money for the school’s Parent Teacher Association and is used for equipment, teacher support, building needs, technology and many other key costs of education.

In addition to Thursday’s Jog-a-Thon, many of the Sooner gymnasts volunteer their time throughout their week tutoring students at the school, a service that has blessed both the school and the gymnasts.

OU senior Patrick Piscitelli has been volunteering at Cleveland Elementary and is one of the many grateful gymnasts that spend time at the school.

“It is a great opportunity to get involved and give back to the community,” said Piscitelli. “It allows my team and myself to positively influence kids in academics and athletics. It is a rewarding feeling to know that we can help these children as they grow and develop.”

http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31000&ATCLID=208390242 

Ret. 6-21-16

By the way, the University of Oklahoma's Men's Gymnastics program won its ninth NCAA Championship in 2015.

We will update this post with other examples occasionally, but the message is that student athletes can make a difference in their communities by mentoring, tutoring, and/or engaging with younger students.

Ways to Utilize Peer Athletes I

This successful program is an adaptable model for other schools' coaches.

Marlow Football Buddies  

For many years on game days, the football players and cheerleaders every Friday go to the grade school to visit Pre-K through second grade. Players visit the classes for about 15-20 minutes. Usually, one to three players go to one class. Players greet, interact, play catch in the football field across the street, or hang out on the playground. 

The elementary teachers often make or supervise their students' making treat bags for the players to take back to the locker room. The school or athletic department sometimes makes shirts to give the elementary students. The students love it. The younger ones, who often have older siblings, look forward to the Football Buddies, and they get to know the athletes and cheerleaders. 

Behavior  This small program has improved behavior. If there are weeks when a class does not behave or do classwork, the teachers will tell them that their Football Buddies will not come, that they will lose this privilege this week. The Buddies don't come to the misbehaving class, but they do go to other classes. The children are really disappointed but learn, even in Pre-K, that behavior and actions matter. Football Buddies simply do not come if behavior is bad.  

Personal communication, 2014

In a June 2016 conversation with Felix Linden, the co-founder and advisor/teacher of the Roosevelt Leadership Academy, Felix viewed Marlow Football Buddies as a launching pad for almost all Oklahoma schools, including Oklahoma City Public Schools, for whom he works. Felix envisioned "Active Athletes" as the program name.

Structure

Activities could vary by grade, e.g., 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, middle school, etc.

Length of Each Class Visit – 15-20 minutes, 30 minutes, or more 

Added benefit - Routinely assign players and cheerleaders to the same class(es) to increase relationship-building.

Change players as sports' seasons change, e.g., wrestling, basketball, soccer, golf, gymnastics, others.

Cedar Hill Longhorns,
TX

Benefits 

Improved behavior (for mentors and mentees)                            

Increased self-worth (for mentors and mentees)

Emphasized academics and athletics

Visit Activities

Talking and listening to younger students *

Teaching or practicing a cheer, school fight song and more

Throwing/shooting balls, putting, cartwheels (depending upon sport)

Showing-and-telling with sporting equipment which students can touch or use

Reading a book with a few students or having them read to athletes

Trying on sports gear, having a photo made with an athlete, printed, and autographed

Assigning team members to a teacher to make weekly visits to tutor and mentor

    * Having name tags on the elementary students might be helpful for a few visits.

Pre- or Follow-up Activities

Making signs and/or coloring printables for athletes' lockers (Google sports worksheets and printables.)

Writing a short support message on a Post-It Note. "Go, Pete. Mark"

Attending games with families to cheer on their athletes

Honoring athletes for accomplishments at a elementary or middle school assembly

Doing some kind of school project, fundraiser, or community service together

Crafting - making tissue paper pom-poms in school colors to cheer on the athletes

Team's hosting a school night at a home meet (or game); younger peers serve as "personnel"

Team's performing at a school assembly (either something funny or a routine from their sport)

Problems 

Transportation if the elementary or middle school(s) are far from the high school. Students will have to carpool, drive, or walk.

Disrupting students’ or athletes' instruction time

Generally, teachers are willing to give up instruction time for their students’ improved behavior and increased self-esteem.

Some schools allow athletes to leave early on game days, or alternate times can be decided.

Send us your ideas or best practices.

Trinity College athlete and mentees

College Mentors Help Students

We thank Joy Hampton, writer for the Moore American and the Norman Transcript, for focusing upon two of our mentoring program's collegiate mentors.

Mentors help students shoot for the stars

Posted: Monday, August 24, 2015 7:00 am

By Joy Hampton Senior Staff Writer

Timothy and Ashten Duncan, mentor

Ashten Duncan knows the value of learning and play. While serving as a mentor to Timothy, a third grader, at McKinley Elementary School in Norman, Duncan alternated fun activities like drawing or time on the playground with educational activities like reading. 

Duncan is a volunteer through the Boren Mentoring Initiative program, which connects college students with kids who would benefit from some extra attention. Each mentor spends at least an hour a week volunteering one-to-one with an assigned elementary school student to their mutual benefit.

“The entire mentoring experience made me more appreciative for what I have and am able to do,” Duncan said, “I learned that quite a few children in our community are much more limited than I ever was due to financial barriers.”

As a Boren Mentoring Initiative mentor, Meghan Bradley of Norman had the opportunity to mentor Jasmine, a second grader at McKinley.

“Jasmine is excited to have a mentor, and I’m happy to be her mentor,” Bradley said. 

Bradley wrote “A Parents Guide to Raising a Successful Reader,” when she was a Norman High School senior as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project to promote early childhood literacy. The Boren Mentoring Initiative posted the booklet online as a resource for its mentoring network. Meghan is the daughter of Lisa Bradley of Norman.

“Growing up in Moore shaped my perspective on the needs of our community and truly served as an impetus for much of what I do now at OU and for what I aspire to do in the future,” Duncan said.

According to McKinley staff, Duncan kept Timothy thoroughly engaged and often laughing. Duncan was an Academic All-State Alumni Mentor who provided academic support and encouragement to Timothy. 

“Being able to bring some joy to my mentee when he had such tough days at school gave me a wonderful sense of fulfillment,” Duncan said.

Meghan Bradley and Jasmine, her mentee

Duncan graduated from Moore High School in 2012. An Academic All-Stater, he is majoring in microbiology at the University of Oklahoma. He is involved Alpha Phi Omega and the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and he worked as a physician’s assistant medical scribe and training scribe. 

“Throughout my childhood, I observed on many occasions how the lack of a positive role model adversely affected my peers,” Duncan said. “It was troubling to know that some of my friends were falling into the hands of an atrocious fate because of their lack of a driving force.”

The son of Jeffrey and Misty Duncan of Moore, Duncan is also an Olympia Prep ACT Tutor among many other activities.

“I consider myself to have been blessed due to having a number of influential individuals during my time living in Moore, including particular teachers who will always be near and dear to me,” he said. “In college, the idea of serving as a positive role model has manifested itself in my life in the form of mentoring.”

A sophomore at OU, Bradley is studying public relations with an environmental sustainability minor. She is active in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the Public Relations Student Society of America. She is also a daycare worker at McFarland United Methodist Church. This summer Bradley worked, took classes at the university and interned with Brenda Wheelock, public relations director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. 

“Jasmine has a lot of potential, and I have really enjoyed working with her,” Bradley said. “Jasmine always has a positive attitude about our meetings and is open to talking and interacting with me.”

During the summer, Duncan had an internship in Tulsa through OU’s School of Community Medicine and began applying for medical schools. 

 “For my mentee, the experience made him more enthusiastic about pursuing higher aspirations and having more confidence in himself,” Duncan said. “I have watched as he has become more comfortable with himself as a person over the course of mentoring.”

“Quality mentoring programs can improve a mentee’s behavior, academics and self-confidence,” said Beverly Woodrome, Boren Mentoring Initiative director. “Through their involvement in such a program, Academic All-State alumni and their friends have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to Oklahoma education.”

The All-State Alumni Mentor Program is administered by the David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative, a program of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools.

“Mentoring has been nothing short of a pleasure for me,” Duncan said. “I love every minute I spend having the opportunity—no, the honor—to impact the life of a boy in need of camaraderie and motivation. 

For Jasmine’s end-of-the year mentee certificate, Bradley chose one of her favorite quotes, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” 

http://www.mooreamerican.com/news/lifestyles/mentors-help-students-shoot-for-the-stars/article_dfabfde8-38ea-5b88-8189-3a9427d2ce43.html 

http://www.normantranscript.com/news/university_of_oklahoma/ou-students-mentor-elementary-children-as-part-of-boren-mentoring/article_10c2f076-d668-59a5-98ac-fb14c0b3155a.html

Ret. 8-25-15

Peer Mentoring - Woodward FMP VI

Woodward Freshmen Mentoring Program (FMP), 

or a Friendly Meeting Place 

Part VI

FRESHMAN MENTOR PROGRAM

Application Form 

What is the purpose of the program?  

The purpose of the FMP is to provide freshman students with a connection at WHS to other members of the student body and ease the transition from junior high to high school throughout their first year. 

What makes the program work?  

To make the program work, we need an awesome group of junior and senior student-mentors who want to help freshmen feel at home at WHS.

How does the program work?  

Each group will meet once a week during lunch in a designated classroom or area.  During this time, the junior and senior mentors will lead the students in an activity, play a game, or discuss upcoming events that would be new to freshman such as homecoming, class yells, academic concerns, etc.  You will be provided the daily topics.

How are the student mentors selected and what is their purpose?  

The student mentors will be selected by an application process which includes leadership skills, academics, etc.  Their purpose is to offer support, answer questions, discuss school, and encourage participation in school events.  Mentors are the ones who develop the group as a safe environment and will be responsible for bringing activities for the group.

What is a successful Mentor?  

A student who is enthusiastic and always prepared!!

Make a difference in a life!

The selection process consists of the following:

Part I - Personal Information

• Academic standing of “B/3.0” average or better.  We will be checking your grades with the counselors. 

• Completed student profile.

• Letter of recommendation from a WHS teacher verifying your character and work ethic is required!!  (Please ask the teacher to e-mail the recommendation directly to Mrs. Hurst or Mrs. Love.)      

Part II – Faculty advisors will make final selection along with an administrator.

Mandatory attendance at FMP and good behavior are part of the responsibility of a good mentor.

Due date:  April 25, 2013

Return to:  Mrs. Hurst Room 201 or Mrs. Love Room 107

Freshman Mentor Program

Student Advisor Profile

Name: _________________________________

Address: ________________________________

City/Zip: ________________________________

Home Phone: _____________________________

Next year’s grade level:  ________________________

  

Teacher letter of recommendation is required to verify that applicant is a good role model for other students and does not have disciplinary issues.  Please ask the teacher to e-mail the recommendation to either Mrs. Hurst or Mrs. Love.  You cannot be considered without this recommendation.

________________________________________________________________________

Applicants:  Please complete in detail the following sections.  (If you have questions, see Mrs. Hurst room 201 or Mrs. Love room 107.)  These need to be answered fully!!

Leadership: (What activities have you participated in that demonstrate this quality?)

Interests and Hobbies:

Community Activities:  (List any activities that you are involved in outside of school.)

  

Extra-Curricular:

Please verify by signature that you will attend all training sessions, usually held during lunch time, and attend group meetings called by Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Love and prepare activities using online materials.

ATTENDANCE AT FMP SESSIONS IS MANDATORY!!!

Student signature                                                                                Date 

Once again thanks to Mrs. Tacy Hurst for sharing these documents with us. December 11, 2013

Peer Mentoring - Woodward FMP V

Woodward High School Freshman Mentoring Program (FMP), 

or a Friendly Meeting Place 

Part V





These guidelines are valuable to share. Organizations can use this Christmas template for other holidays.

CHRISTMAS DOOR DECORATING CONTEST JUDGING GUIDELINES

JUDGING OF THE DOORS WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

• AN EFFORT WAS MADE TO INCLUDE ALL MEMBERS OF THE FMP GROUP IN THE CONSTRUCTION OR THEME OF THE DECORATION

• THEME IS CHRISTMAS OR WINTER RELATED IN AN APPROPRIATE MANNER

• ORIGINALITY OF IDEA

• QUALITY OF WORK – NEATNESS, ETC.

• COMPLETED BY THE DESIGNATED TIME

______________________________

FMP Paper Airplane Contest

• 1 airplane per mentor group-chosen January 22

• Final competition is on January 29

Airplane Contest Rules

1.   Each contestant may enter only one airplane per category.

2.   The name of the winning student and teacher must appear on the airplane.

3.   Airplane must be made of one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper only. 

4.   Glue and tape are allowed (but nothing else).

5.   Throwing is the only form of propulsion allowed.

6.   Entry must be an airplane (i.e., no Frisbees, parachutes, helicopters, “flat” sheet of paper, ball, etc.).

7.   Distance Contest: Each contestant will be allowed one flight. 

8.  Top 3 distances will compete in final throw to determine winner.

9.   Airplanes must satisfy the spirit of the contest and will be pre-inspected by the judges prior to the contest.

10. All decisions made by judges are final.

Thanks to Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Love, Woodward High School, Dec. 2013

Peer Mentoring - Woodward FMP IV

                              Woodward High School Freshmen 

Mentoring Program (FMP), 

or a Friendly Meeting Place


Part IV



Although we have not published everything that we received, we think Woodward's "What If?" is also exemplary. Devise your own questions and answers.

What if??  

1. My locker is jammed?
1. Go to the attendance office. Refer to map for location.

2. I start feeling sick during the day?
1. Always check out through the attendance office.

3. I arrive late or need to leave early due to an illness?
1. Check in or out through the attendance office. A parent must sign you out.

4.   I will miss a day of school because my parents are going out of town?
1. Get pre-arranged absence sheet at attendance office and have teachers fill it out.

5. I lost my ID card?
1. Go to the counseling office. See Mrs. Hodges, the secretary. Cost, $5.

6. I need to speak to a principal?
1. Go to the attendance office and ask to see Mr. King.

7. I get a note to go the attendance office and see Mrs. Goodman?
1. Go to the attendance office. She is the secretary.

8. I need to see Mrs. Reavis?
1. Go to the front office. She is the secretary.

9. I am absent from school?
1. Have your parent or guardian call the school to excuse you.

10. I am being bullied?
1. See the freshman counselor in the office by the cafeteria.

11. I need to buy a student activity pass?
1. Go to the office on the west side of the commons area. Cost, $20.
2. Pep club member.  Cost, $5 to pep club sponsors.

12. I can’t afford to pay for lunch?
1. See Mrs. Reavis in front office for a free or reduced lunch form.

13. I think one of my books has been stolen?
1. Report it to teacher and remember you can put a lock on your locker. Be sure to give the combination to Mrs. Goodman in attendance office.

14. If lose something?
1. Go to the attendance office and see Mrs. Goodman.

15. I am sick and need my assignments so I can work at home?
1. Have your parent call the attendance office, and Mrs. Goodman will collect assignments for your parent to pick up shortly after school.

16. I am sick?
1. Tell your teacher, then go to restroom. 'Unexcused absence if you don’t tell teacher.

17. I think another student is using my locker?
1. Report it to Mr. King.

18. I had my cell phone taken away by a teacher?
1. The phone will be given to Mr. King, and he will return it and or file discipline as needed.

19. I need to call home for an emergency?

    a. Go to attendance office or front office and use the phone there.

     

Thanks to Mrs. Hurst and Mrs. Love for their creativity!

Peer Mentoring - Woodward FMP III

Woodward High School Freshmen 

Mentoring Program (FMP), 

or a Friendly Meeting Place


Part III

Although we have not published everything that we received, we think Woodward's peer mentor outline and expectations are exemplary.

"Freshmen Mentoring"

OBJECTIVE

To provide every 9^th grade student with a personal mentor and advocate to help him/her personalize the educational experience.

GOALS

     1.  Assist freshmen in the adjustment to high school

           * Question and answer sessions

           * Getting to know you activities

           * High School transition activities

     2.  Develop the mentor/freshman relationship so freshmen see mentors as an additional resource

     3.   Develop a connection to the traditions of WHS

     4.   Assist students in improving/maintaining grades

           *Study skills

     5.  Ensure a successful high school experience for all freshmen students

"Expectations for Boomer Mentors"

1.     Lead Freshmen Mentor Activities.

2.     Develop a strong rapport with Freshmen in your mentor group.

3.     Demonstrate a strong sense of pride, tradition, and school spirit.

4.     Attend all Freshmen Mentor training sessions.

5.     Listen to announcements for special meetings.

6.     Attendance is mandatory for all Freshmen Mentor Wednesday sessions. Remember you are the leader in charge!!

7.     You must follow the schedule and all competitions are mandatory.

8.     Maintain a positive attitude about Woodward High and the mentoring program.

9.    Check with your mentor teacher for handouts and updates. Contact your mentor teacher if you have questions.

10.  Facilitating teachers - Mrs. Love, Rm. 107;  Mrs. Hurst, Rm. 201

Suggestions for Advisory

    Mentors MUST take a leadership role/ownership of the advisory group.

   Sessions should be a fun and enjoyable experience.

   You may provide small treats and candy, etc.

   Avoid a lecture method of presenting information.

Again thanks to Mrs. Hurst for sharing, Dec. 2013.