From the community to the school -- IRSD celebrates mentors

Each week, more than 400 men and women play an important role for Indian River School District students. Representing the community in the schools, they are mentors, and they were recognized Jan. 27 at the Indian River School District’s Mentor Appreciation Luncheon.

Coastal Point • Laura Walter
Approximately 150 Indian River School District mentors attended a luncheon on Friday, Jan. 27.

“Each of you has become an integral part of this district,” said Charles Bireley, president of IRSD School Board, “and we truly appreciated the giving of your time and talents to assist in the education of the most important group of all … the students of the district.”

From teachers to mortgage bankers, the mentors have diverse backgrounds. Some have retired in Sussex County, far from their children and grandchildren.

“We’re all parents, so we all raised our own kids,” said mentor Charlotte Hamby.

“We are blessed to have the mentors and coordinators in our schools who can help us match up your balance of skills and interests for the children who need you most,” said Susan Bunting, district superintendent.

Bunting reminded mentors that it may take years to see the seeds they planted within the children.

“[Mentors are] leaders, and we’re teaching new leaders because we’re giving them our knowledge, our experience … which helps them form wisdom,” said Randall Hughes, school board vice-president.

Gov. Jack Markell and Lt. Gov. Matthew Denn also sent a proclamation to the district, declaring January Mentoring Month in Sussex County. Lesia Jones, the district mentor coordinator, and the school board members accepted the proclamation.

“Teachers can’t do it alone. Parents can’t do it alone,” said Rich Kapolka of the mentor group Connecting Generations. “And, without a doubt, the assistance you’re giving to the kids is going to make the world of difference. You know that or you wouldn’t be here.”

Some mentoring programs are more academically centered, while others are more flexible.

“I’m a retired teacher, so I know the value of education,” said Eli Ramos, who mentors at multiple schools. Ramos taught some of his children the game of chess, and now they’re beating him.

“A lot of it is just interaction,” said Mary Harris, who helped a young aspiring fashion designer at Phillip C. Showell Elementary School sew a dress.

Mentoring may be as complex dress-making or as simple as learning to use scissors.

Sandra Grzybowski has only mentored for a few months, but she said it’s special to know what’s happening in the children’s lives and be there to support them.

“I think I’m getting more out of it then they are, and I’m just beginning!” Grzybowski said. “It makes you feel good.”

The adults take joy in their children’s progress. Over the years, Laila Skoftland watched one of her mentees transform from a shy second-grader who spoke no English to a successful middle-schooler.

“Mentoring is also friendship,” said Joanne Busalacchi. “Each child has a story, and you develop a relationship.”

Busalacchi has led numerous book drives at district schools, just so each student could have his or her own book.

Anna Mae Rabatin of Long Neck Elementary and Busalacchi of John M. Clayton Elementary and were named Exemplary Mentors on Jan. 31 at the third annual “Mentoring Works” Summit in Dover. Karen Lessey of Millsboro Middle School was named Exemplary Mentoring Coordinator. Only eight Delawareans were honored at the summit, highlighting Indian River as having one of the most successful mentoring programs in the state.