Schools In!

As we start our work with students, the buzz at the schools is evident.  It is a mix of nerves and excitement but.. mostly excitement.  I visited Bellevue to get some words of wisdom from their principal on how to approach the new school year.

Bellevue Principal Beth Wilson and Supervising Teacher Yesenia Salas-Chavira

Principal Beth Wilson Interview 

What advice do you have for members on how to handle the stress of students in those first days?  

"It is important to have a sense of clarity about the day.  You need to have clear intentions yourself in order to communicate in kid language with students what it looks like, sound like, and feels like.  If you can do that things will feel and stay calm, focused and centered even though it is all new."

What is your favorite aspect of the CalSERVES program?

"The best thing is that CalSERVES helps kids stay connected to school and having fun!"

What is the most important role for the mentors?

"They show that school is a great place to be because of the relationships that are developed and the learning that goes on.  Their most important role is to help students become all they can be."

Mentors post their school pictures....very cute!

The Bellevue team hung pictures of themselves when they were in elementary school.  What a great way to get to know each other better and connect with their childhood experiences.

The Bellevue Team!

The team is very excited ... they saw their kids for the first time the day before I got there.  They are having fun getting to know the personalities and establishing their important role in the lives of the students they will be with this year. 

Mentor Teacher and CalSERVES Alum, Mr. Craig Jacques

Bellevue is excited to have Craig Jacques as their mentor teacher this year.  He teaches 6th grade at Bellevue and he was a former CalSERVES alum!