Children entering into middle school for the first time face a difficult time adjusting to new larger schools, older peers, and different expectations.  The The U.S. Department of Education recognized that children are at a critical point where the influence of a mentor could positively impact the remainder of their educational careers and help reverse a high school drop out rate that continues to climb.

The “Kids on the Move” program is aimed specifically at these children in fourth grade in need of a positive adult role model in their lives that can equip them to better adjust to middle school fifth grade life and beyond.  In 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee served 61 children through the Kids on the Move program - but volunteers are still needed to continue this growing program.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Kids on the Move program is currently operating at Napier Enhanced Option Elementary, Dupont Elementary, Tom Joy Elementary, Inglewood Elementary, and new for this year Sylvan Park Elementary – and matches children from these schools with volunteers primarily from our site-based mentoring programs. A site-based mentoring match simply means that interaction between the child and mentor happens at an establish site, such as the child’s school, versus the two going out into the community and spending time together.

The children in the Kids on the Move program and their Big Brothers or Big Sisters meet together weekly, usually at school during a free or recess period, and talk about their day and challenges at school and home. They might additionally play games or eat lunch together, and form a friendship that causes that child to know that there is an adult who cares about them and is concerned about their academic performance as well as behavior, self-confidence, and interaction with other adults. Participants in the program also join in four special activities each year, last year joining in a community service project, going on an educational field trip, and two in school activities with special events like puppet shows and presentations from area youth organizations.

Currently entering into its second year, the Middle Tennessee program has already experienced positive results with 88% of the children showing improvement in their academic performance, 85% showing an improvement in classroom participation, and teachers reporting that 91% of these students have improved in their ability to make decisions and think about consequences associated with behavior.

The Kids on the Move program is preparing for its second successful year, but like many other mentoring programs currently operating in Middle Tennessee, there is a significant shortage of men willing to commit one hour a week to a child at a nearby school to serve the waiting young boys in need of a positive adult role model. The agency’s goal for next year is to serve 80 children through this program that will result in continued improvements in academic achievements, school attendance, and behavior.