Dear Kids Hope USA Directors,
September is such an exciting month! Whether or not you have children heading back to school, it’s easy to get swept up in the optimism of this season. I pray that God gives you excitement and a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for you and your Kids Hope USA programs this year. That may sound overly optimistic when we are bombarded each day with news of the ongoing pandemic, hurricanes, wildfires, and more. Those challenges are real and all of us at Kids Hope USA are praying for you to be wise and persistent in your program leadership, and we are here to help you. Also, no matter the challenges, you are not alone. Psalm 46:1 declares that, ‘God is our refuge and our strength. God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.’ I pray that your Kids Hope USA programs get off to an exciting and energetic start this fall, and may you see, hear and feel the hope and joy when mentors and students reconnect.
Karen Pearson, PhD President, Kids Hope USA
Let’s JUMPSTART Your School Year!
Throughout August, we sent weekly emails with the tools you need to launch your program this fall, starting with the critical Beginning of the School Year Checklist and Video Tour of the KHUSA Director Website Portal. So that you don’t need to search your inbox, you can find a summary here on the portal, including:
- How to Screen and Train a New Mentor
- Virtual Mentoring Resources
- Activities to Support Student Emotional Health
Note that many of the Essential Forms referenced in the Beginning of the School Year Checklist are updated, such as the Parent-Guardian Consent Form. Before using any form from previous years, it is always best practice to review the latest documents on the website. KHUSA continues to review and update forms to meet industry standards and respond to director feedback. Use the new search feature in the “Resources” section so you can easily find all forms and documents!
NEW: Virtual Mentoring Resources
Many of our Kids Hope USA programs are beginning the school year with virtual mentoring, and we are looking forward to supporting and encouraging them through a new year. We have created resources to support you through KHUSA Virtual Mentoring! We will be sharing more details very soon, and save the date for a Virtual Mentoring Q&A with Cheryl Molhoek on Wednesday, September 22 at 12 PM Eastern time. Find the Zoom details below!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81942634483?pwd=dDU2aFptMjdvSDNXNmhhMmJZdkQydz09#success
Meeting ID: 819 4263 4483Passcode: Kids
Please Join Our September Prayer Call & Director Group
Join us in praying for our programs, students, and school staff as they enter a new school year. After a time of prayer, directors are invited to stay on the call for a time of encouragement and inspiration. Please share this link with your volunteers.
Topic: KHUSA Prayer Call and Director Group
Time: Thursday, September 16, 1:00 PM Eastern
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86806295332?pwd=MEJaVXl6QnNkNUhqT2dpQnhuRjI4QT09
KHUSAPRAY
Digital Progress Reports
Have you thought about switching to the digital version of the progress report (DPR)? Mentors can access the form right from their smartphone or their home computer. Submitted forms are automatically sent to the director, the student’s teacher, and your school contact, which means less time spent copying and distributing – and it’s free! These documents can also be stored electronically.
Here’s how to get started:
Webinar Replay with Dr. Emilie DeYoung
Mentoring in Uncertain Times
Dr. Emilie DeYoung of Winning at Home did a wonderful job of equipping directors and mentors with advice on how to re-engage with students this fall! Please see the replay and her attached presentation slides. Be sure to share them with your volunteers. Consider planning a watch party that includes playing some of the games she recommends. Be sure to send photos or let us know if you do!
Best Practices: School Partnerships
A good reminder for your volunteers: As your church enters your partner school, you go in as visitors showing understanding and respect for the people and policies of the school community and for the practice of the separation of church and state. Respecting the school community will result in a stronger relationship and will allow the mentoring program to grow stronger and last longer.
Remember that:
- Churches must strictly adhere to the Separation of Church and State.
- Students may not begin meeting with a mentor until the Parent Consent Form has been signed and returned. Use the Back-to-School Parent Communication for returning students.
- Children may not be photographed or be invited to activities outside of the mentoring hour unless explicit parent consent is given on the Parent Consent Form.
Thank you for continuing to shine the love of Christ to your partner school while adhering to these important guidelines.
Ideal Idea
Janis Rowe, director of LifePoint Church shared this photo from their annual back-to-school event at Rasor Elementary School in Plano, Texas. This is an appreciation event for the school staff, to thank them for their hard work and commitment, and to share the good news about Kids Hope USA. The senior pastor and his wife attended as well. What a great way to build relationships! Be sure to invite your pastor(s) when you support your school in special ways.
Game On!
Let’s Mingle! Conversation Starters (School Edition) This game is a terrific way to get conversations started with age-appropriate prompts. It’s useful for both in-person and virtual mentoring. The associated blog post has great questions, too!
Book Review
Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship by Kelly Light
In this book, a new neighbor moves into Louise’s neighborhood, and they both happen to love art! Will this be a delightful surprise to Louise, or will this spark creative differences? It’s all about overcoming differences – a delightful read for us all!
You’re Making a Difference
Have You Recently Visited the Kids Hope USA Online Store?
Have you visited the Kids Hope USA online store recently? There are many items available to support your program’s success. Plus, we are currently offering mentor packages for the 2021-2022 school year that include tote bags, notepads, pencils, tumblers, and more.
For any store-related questions, please send an email to onlinestore@kidshopeusa.org.
Join Our Director Facebook Group!
Connect with other directors and team Kids Hope USA by joining our private director Facebook group. Click the button below!
Connect with the Program Success Team!
Cheryl Molhoek – Program Resource & Training Director
(616) 202-6877
cmolhoek@kidshopeusa.org
Beth Wassink – Program Success Specialist
(616) 536-1012
bwassink@kidshopeusa.org
Davina Pennington – Program Support Director
(770) 727-1478
dpennington@kidshopeusa.org
Kari McLennan – Launch Success Specialist
(847) 971-0963
kmclennan@kidshopeusa.org
Kate Cochran – Launch Success Specialist
(210) 288-7520
kcochran@kidshopeusa.org
Lori Cyr – Program Success Specialist
(281) 772-4338
lcyr@kidshopeusa.org
Tammy Johnston – Program Success Specialist
(817) 717-3116
tjohnston@kidshopeusa.org