Bigs in Schools needs volunteers
Bigs in Schools needs to happen in Marion-Florence Unified School District, Superintendent Gerry Henderson told Marion Chamber of Commerce members Friday.
Bigs in Schools matches a child with an adult mentor. They spend one hour a week together on school grounds, during the day or right after school.
Henderson said many youths are "raising themselves" because parents are absent, tied up with work, or neglectful. Usually their grades suffer because they have bigger worries in their lives than school. Often, the youths drift into crime or abusive relationships.
He used several examples of young people, from elementary through high school, who are in such situations.
"I've left off the names and changed a few details, but these are kids all in our own schools, right now," Henderson said.
In almost all cases, the problem is the lack of regular, positive contact with a successful adult.
Sherry Soyez, who directs the program, said all children are eligible for Bigs in School, including those who don't have problems. It takes about a month to complete the application, background check, and be matched with a child. "The difference in these kids is amazing," she said.
Marion High School students have volunteered as Bigs, and are welcome, but children benefit greatly from adults, Soyez said.
Also speaking was Sheryl Simmons, Peabody, who is involved in Bigs in Schools in Peabody.
She and her "Little," a sixth grader who is in a stable family situation, sometimes play games, read, do homework, play outside, or just talk.
"It's good for her to hear how important school is to me, and it's good for me to hear how hard a sixth grader works," Simmons said.
Henderson encouraged businesses to allow employees time off for volunteer work, the equivalent of an hour a week.
"If six or seven kids a year drop out, we will pay for it through corrections or welfare," he said. "Both are more expensive than 50 hours a year of paid employee time."
