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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and Metropolitan School District of Washington Township Participate in 4th Annual “Take Your Big to School Day”
Indianapolis –Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) has partnered with Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) again this year to designate October 27, 2016 as a day for youth (Littles) to bring their mentors (Bigs) to school. “Take Your Big to School Day” is a result of district-wide partnership between MSDWT and BBBSCI in an effort to further involve Bigs in the academic life of their Littles as they play a critical role in the academic success of their Littles. Darcey Palmer-Shultz, BBBSCI CEO, shares, “Our Bigs are helping their Littles succeed in many ways everyday – building their confidence, helping them plan for the future, working on studying skills and homework, and helping them build character and make positive choices. For our Bigs, we hope this is a helpful way for them to learn more about their Littles as students and be more prepared to coach their Littles in ways that will support them academically. For our Littles, we believe it will further improve their attitudes toward school as they get to be the VIPs for the day while their Bigs shadow them. For our school partners, we feel this is a meaningful way to further build the bridges between more of the people – in this case, mentors and teachers – working hard to help our community’s kids succeed.”
Suzanne Zybert, Coordinator of Alternative Education & District Partnerships for MSDWT, also shares about the BBBS program, “Everyone needs and deserves a mentor in their life. That special someone to see and support what others cannot. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana provides that, and more through their partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. Their work in each of our schools is helping to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The Bigs are helping to transform the lives of their Littles through two of life’s greatest gifts: time and commitment. These efforts and this partnership are yielding relationships and making memories for a lifetime while helping to support our students to be successful within and beyond the school community.” Kimberly Piper, Director of Elementary Education for MSDWT, also states, “We are so appreciative of the strong mentoring relationships Big Brother/Big Sisters are able to provide our Washington Township students. It is exciting to hear the stories the Littles share about their adventures with this special person in their lives. I love that many of the Bigs follow their Little throughout their lives and even attend their high school graduations. The entire district, but especially our lucky students in the program matched with Bigs, are grateful of all this excellent program can provide.”
On this day, Bigs will shadow their Littles in the classroom and join them for lunch in the cafeteria at elementary schools, middle schools, and the high school within MSDWT. 16 participating Bigs will be attending the following schools with their Littles: Eastwood Middle School, Fox Hill Elementary School, North Central High School, Northview Middle School, Nora Elementary School, Spring Mill Elementary School, and Westlane Middle School. Bigs will also have the opportunity to meet their Little’s teachers and interact with MSDWT staff.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana will serve 1,100 youth this year by proving them with mentors (Bigs). BBBSCI partners with parents, guardians, volunteers, schools, donors, and others in the community to be accountable for helping youth in our program achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, educational success, and avoidance of risky behaviors. An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a United Way partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
