Mentoring for the Future: High Schoolers Inspire Young Learners at Clark Elementary

A partnership between Issaquah High School and Clark Elementary provides students with a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. As part of their Elementary Tutoring class, juniors and seniors from Issaquah High School (I.H.S.) mentor Clark students, fostering meaningful relationships that benefit both age groups.

The high school students visit Clark four days a week and spend time with their mentees in the classroom, during specialist classes (Library, Music, Art, PE), at recess, or during lunch. The high schoolers support younger students in both academic and social skills.

Before students become mentors, “I make sure they’re a good fit,” said Jolene Gensheimer, teacher and graduation specialist at I.H.S. “Criteria include excellent attendance, integrity, and responsibility. I also ask counselors and teachers for input.”

Students complete training on topics like learning styles and classroom management. “We talk about being a ‘warm demander,’ where you balance warmth with accountability,” she explained. “It’s about building trust while helping students stay on task.”

Clark Elementary staff carefully match mentees with mentors based on shared interests and needs. “We use our tiered systems of support to guide the matches,” shared Clark Principal Christy Otley. “The high schoolers also complete profiles, which help us align their strengths with our students’ needs.”

Having a mentor makes an important impact for the elementary students. “Mentored students often show improved academic performance, increased self-confidence, and better communication skills,” Otley said.

Lincoln C., a third grader, shared how his mentor, Sarah Cizek, helps him stay calm and focused. “She’s pretty fun and helps me calm down often,” he said. “Reading with her is my favorite — it’s cool, explaining the books to her.”

Cizek said the experience has been equally rewarding. “I work as a swim teacher and wanted to improve my interactions with kids,” she said. “High school can feel more structured, so having this time to relax and connect is amazing.”

“Through regular conversations with their mentors, students often become more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings,” Otley shared. “The improved communication can extend to other areas of their lives, including relationships with teachers and peers.”

Mentor Matthew Malcom said he enjoys the experience of being in an elementary school. He explained that he didn’t attend a traditional school until sixth grade when he moved here from Jamaica. “Being here has given me an experience I never had before. It’s nice to go outside and have recess and talk to Kaycee and play games or help him with homework or other things inside the classroom.”

Malcom continues,” It’s a great experience to have, to get to know more people. And, helping is just fun. Talking to these kids, they’re very passionate and very curious and they are always caring, so I would recommend this to everyone in high school.”

Kaycee F., a second grader, is equally enthusiastic. “We play dodgeball or basketball at recess,” he said. “Sometimes we have to do work, but it’s fun to hang out and talk about things like favorite foods.”

High school mentors benefit as much as their mentees do. “Most of our students love the experience,” Gensheimer noted. “They often tell me about the cute or surprising things their mentees do, and it’s clear how much these kids look up to them.”

The benefits go beyond the classroom walls. “Mentors develop leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills,” Otley said. “These experiences prepare them for future roles in their communities, careers and beyond.”

Both mentors and mentees leave the program with lasting lessons. “I hope they realize how much of a difference they can make in someone’s life,” Gensheimer said. “It’s a concept I hope stays with them forever.”

For students like Lincoln, the experience has already planted seeds for the future. “When I get to high school, I think I should become a mentor too,” he said.

At top, mentor Matthew with mentee Kaycee. Immediately above, mentor Sarah and mentee Lincoln.