Lunch Pals Program Overview
Vision:
100% Student Achievement
Mission:
Every child has someone who cares.
Program Goals:
- Support a child’s social and emotional development.
- Support academic gains.
- Improve school involvement and attendance.
- Provide an exceptional experience for Lunch Pals and their students.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Lunch Pal?
Mentoring can be life-changing for both the Lunch Pal and the student.
Your willingness to invest time with a child who may be facing social, economic, family, and/or academic challenges will have a great impact. By being accessible, open to listening, and nonjudgmental, you will create an important connection, allowing your student to be themselves. Building a trusting relationship is invaluable.
You are making a difference through a lasting and meaningful contribution of your time, and it’s fun! Lunch Pals have told us it has changed their lives.
How Does Lunch Pals Work?
Lunch Pals meet with their student for 30 minutes once a week during the student’s lunch break.
Can I Join Lunch Pals After School Has Started?
Yes – you can join anytime during the school year. We have many students waiting for you. After the year starts, you may be directed to select schools with students who have not yet been matched with a mentor.
What Are the Expectations for How Long I Will Be a Lunch Pal?
Lunch Pals commit to meeting with their student on the scheduled day and time each week from the time they start until the end of the school year.
Can I Be a Lunch Pal With My Student for More Than One Year?
Yes – it is great for the students. Many Lunch Pals follow their student from grade to grade.
Who Are the Students, and How Are They Identified?
Each student is identified by school personnel as a child who could benefit from a mentoring relationship. Some students are facing social, economic, family, and/or academic challenges, or are simply at a point in their lives where they will especially benefit from an additional positive and encouraging adult who spends time with them.
Can I Choose the School Where I Will Be a Lunch Pal?
Yes, you can choose the school where you would like to be a Lunch Pal, or we can partner you with a child at one of our neediest schools.
Can I Meet With My Student Outside of Lunch?
Lunch Pals only meet with students when school is in session at the designated date and time.
There is no sharing of personal information and no contact with your student—whether in person, by phone, on social media, by text, or by email. There is also no contact with the parent or guardian of the student.
Who will contact me if the student is unavailable for our scheduled session?
If you student is unavailable, you will be contacted the morning of your scheduled session. If possible another day can be arranged.
What if I cannot make my scheduled Lunch Pal session?
If you cannot make your scheduled session, please call Lakewood. A reschedule may be possible on another day. It is understood that there may be a week when you cannot attend.
What do I do with my student/what do I talk about? How do I get ideas?
You will learn mentoring strategies in the Lunch Pals workshop. There are also ideas HERE .
However, what you talk about is not as important as your commitment to be present, and to be a good listener. The most important thing you do is show up.
How do I get started?
Everyone starts by attending a Pinellas County Schools Lunch Pals Workshop Webinar and completing a volunteer registration form.
Once your attendance at the workshop is complete, and your registration is approved, Lakewood will pair you with a student and set a mutually agreed upon day and time to meet.
Please provide your information below and we will get right back to you.
