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Robinwood students get sibling support from high-schoolers
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Neighbors | Submitted .Big Brothers and Sisters from Boardman High School joined their Robinwood "siblings" on Jan. 21 to exchange the Christmas ornaments they made for each other. The group made the ornaments out of clay in November, painted them in December, and exchanged them at their Jan. 21 meeting.
By SARAH FOOR
Robinwood Elementary hosts a family reunion every month. Although, when the family gathers, it’s clear they’re not blood-related.
Boardman High School Big Brothers and Sisters and their younger Robinwood siblings gathered for their first 2011 meeting on Jan. 21.
Robinwood’s program is a team effort from school counselor Amanda Scrocco, art teacher Susan Farkas and the Big Brother/Big Sister Clubs of Mahoning County.
“We gather the students to do art projects provided by Mrs. Farkas. Last month, we created clay ornaments, and during our January meeting, we’re painting and firing them in the kiln. The art provides something to do, of course, but the gatherings are more about the friendship between the siblings,” explained Scrocco.
Robinwood’s program pairs 10 elementary students with 10 Boardman High School students. The elementary siblings are suggested by teachers, focusing on students who show disinterest in school programs or who lack a role model. The high school students are chosen through a vigorous application process that requires multiple letters of recommendation.
“The response was wonderful,” said Scrocco. “Our school didn’t have room for all of the interest from the high school students. Because of the enthusiasm, there are Big Brother/ Big Sister programs at every Boardman elementary now.”
The high-schoolers mostly just hang out with their Robinwood siblings, but are encouraged to focus more on talking, listening and making connections.
“I can already see the difference in our Robinwood kids,” said Scrocco. “The kids feel special. The want to come to school, they’re more involved.”
During their February meeting, the club will ice Valentine’s Day cookies.