Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Xochilt is an Aztec word for flower. A student at Spring Branch Middle School with this name has blossomed in her confidence and goal setting skills over the past three years, in large part because of a relationship with her SpringBoard mentor Sarah Scafide.

“I have really seen her soar this year,” said Scafide during a recent lunchtime meeting with her eighth grade mentee. “She is really climbing high.”

When they first were first matched as part of the SpringBoard Mentoring Program in Spring Branch ISD, Xochitl was very shy. Over time, this young lady realized her mentor was going to keep showing up, was interested in her success, remembered what she had to say, and was fun to be with.

This trust helped Xochilt become more comfortable and willing to communicate. As Xochitl’s social skills matured, she also has expanded her circle of friends.

“I try to be more social now,” said Xochilt. “I am now adding more friends.”

When they meet weekly, the mentor and mentee talk about life, goals, family and grades. English is Xochilt’s second language, and she has asked for help with writing projects from her mentor who has a degree in English!

“Have you gotten a grade yet on the paper I helped you with?” asked the mentor. She explained that her mentee is very good at expressing thoughts, but needs help with punctuation.

“I have learned to not write sentences that run on,” said Xochilt.

Xochilt’s mom, Rosario DeVelazco, wanted her daughter to have a mentor so she would have extra support at school.

“I have noticed my daughter is more positive about herself,” said DeVelazco. “She is more focused on her academics and makes more effort to work hard at school.”

Scafide, a mother of four children whose ages range from 6 to 18, always checks on Xochilt’s academic progress.

They have ongoing discussions about the best way to track assignments and important dates. Xochilt prefers to place sticky notes on her phone as reminders. Her mentor prefers the use of a paper or electronic planner. Not sure who is going to win this ‘battle.’

Xochilt played on the SBMS volleyball team this fall, and her mentor was there to cheer her on during several games.

“I cried because I was so proud of her,” said Scafide.

When asked about the benefits of having a mentor, the eighth-grader said, “With a mentor you get to express your feelings, and talk about what is a good decision and a bad decision.”

Scafide recommends becoming a mentor to other adults in the community. “You come in thinking you are going to help a student, but you end up having them help you,” she said. “It is great to have so many [different] perspectives in life.”

Xochilt’s mother agrees. “Having a mentor helps students hear another adult’s perspective and not just from their parents,” she said. “Sometimes that helps to support the parents’ parenting.”

Scafide hopes to add more mentees to her schedule as her own children grow up and leave home.

“This program [SpringBoard] is my heart,” she said. “Having a mentee has changed me.”

If you would like to become a SpringBoard mentor in SBISD, click here to review the few simple steps it takes to get matched with a student who will unfold -- and blossom -- with your one-on-one attention and support. Matches are being made through mid-March 2020. If you have any questions, contact mentor@springbranchisd.com.

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications.
Becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com