Lunch Buddy Program, Vancouver Public Schools
Lunch Buddy Program, Vancouver Public Schools
Lunch Buddies meet with an elementary school student once a week for lunch. After lunch there is time to play a board game, read or just talk with your buddy. 45 minutes, once a week, can change a life. Children who are currently experiencing changes at home, difficulty at school or those who need a positive role model in their lives are referred by their teachers, counselors and/or school administrators. It is not to teach academics, it is to have fun with your Buddy, display adult behavior, be a good role model and a friend. The benefits of the program to the kids are numerous. The schools report that youth with lunch buddies have improved attendance, grades, and have less disciplinary problems. Adult volunteers report a sense of giving back to the community and to a child that needs them.
GOAL/MISSION: The program goal is to place an adult role model with each child who has been identified as needing a Lunch Buddy.
Our mission is to strengthen the future generation by leading by example and being a positive influence in the life of a child that needs one.
WHO IS MENTORED?
Male and Female, 1st grade through 5th grade children chosen by school staff and administrators.
Male and Female, 1st grade through 5th grade children chosen by school staff and administrators.
CURRENT NUMBER OF MENTORS/MENTEES:
350 children and adults in 18 Vancouver elementary schools.
350 children and adults in 18 Vancouver elementary schools.
WHO CAN BE A MENTOR? Adult role models 18+. Background check by Vancouver Schools District is necessary.
TRAINING REQUIRED:
Basic instructions on school environment and helpful tips on things to do with Lunch Buddy is given by school.
Basic instructions on school environment and helpful tips on things to do with Lunch Buddy is given by school.
TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED:
45 minutes per week during the school year at the child’s lunch time (time varies with the earliest lunch starting at 11:00 and the last lunch ending at 1:00).
45 minutes per week during the school year at the child’s lunch time (time varies with the earliest lunch starting at 11:00 and the last lunch ending at 1:00).
CURRENT WAITING LIST:
Program constantly has a waiting list of children waiting for Lunch Buddies. Current wait list is about 100 children.
Program constantly has a waiting list of children waiting for Lunch Buddies. Current wait list is about 100 children.
CONTACT: NOTE: Fruit Valley Lunch Buddies is now merged with Vancouver Public Schools Lunch Buddies.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Superintendent’s Patron Tour of the schools is held once a month during the year. Please contact Susan Knable, 360-313-4720, WF_patrontour@vansd.org for more information.
The Superintendent’s Patron Tour of the schools is held once a month during the year. Please contact Susan Knable, 360-313-4720, WF_patrontour@vansd.org for more information.