Moline & East Moline & Rural & Plano
Parent Mentor Program
Our program partners with Western Illinois University to support classrooms across 4 districts and 16 schools.
As a parent-mentor initiative, we engage community parents to volunteer at least two hours daily for a minimum of 100 hours, assisting teachers, students, and staff.
We also provide weekly workshops, personal development, transitional skill training, and support for mentors transitioning to higher education.
This year, we've helped 20 participants earned their paraprofessional licenses.
Butterworth Elementary School
This year, 7 Parent Mentors supported 7 classrooms. Two mentors were hired as paraprofessionals, and another joined as a lunch aide. In addition to their classroom support, the mentors led and contributed to several impactful school-wide initiatives:
Jane addams Elementary School
Jane Addams Parent Mentors: First Year, Strong Start
This was our first year launching the Parent Mentor Program at Jane Addams—and it’s already making a meaningful impact!
Program Highlights:
Roosevelt Elementary School
Helping Around the School:
Book Fair Impact:
Mentor Growth & Accomplishments:
Washington Elementary School
Washington School: A Proud Parent Mentor Partner Since 2015
This year, we have 7 amazing mentors—each from a different country—bringing cultural richness, support, and energy to our school community!
Program Highlights:
Beyond Mentoring:
Coordinator and Mentors wear many hats—assisting with registrations, interpreting in Arabic & French, prepping materials, and supporting the school nurse during vision, hearing, dental screenings, and school Events.
Community Connection:
In partnership with ImpactLife, we proudly host an annual Blood Drive in the school gym—helping save lives right here in our community.
Fun Day Event – Coming This May!
We’re hosting a Fun Day for students and families, featuring a balloon artist clown for laughter, balloon sculptures, and unforgettable memories—organized by our mentor team!
Logan Elementary School
Logan Elementary recently hosted Ballet Quad Cities for a special anti-bullying performance of "Dex: The Heart of a Hero"! The students were treated to a fantastic show, preceded by an interactive educational session where they learned about ballet and the story's themes. Logan's Parent Mentor Program provided teachers with resources to prepare their classes, including copies of the book and an educator guide. The performance was a hit! Thank you to Ballet Quad Cities, Parent Mentors Lesley Hill and Antonio Carpenter, and everyone who helped create the opportunity to bring this cultural experience and its valuable message of kindness and courage to Logan Elementary students.
Wells Elementary School
• Ramadan Celebration:
Parent Mentors surprised teachers & staff with traditional food, sweets, and beautiful decorations to share the meaning and spirit of Ramadan.
• Go for the Gold:
A new event celebrating students’ academic achievements with a lively school parade, music from high school performers, and Olympic-themed posters.
• Breakfast with Parents – April 9:
A special celebration for students who’ve shown great behavior—enjoying breakfast with their families and mentors.
Hillcrest Elementary School
• Teacher Lounge Makeover:
Parent Mentors generously donated items to help organize and beautifully decorate the teachers’ lounge tables—creating a warm and welcoming space for our staff.
• Spirit Week Celebration:
We proudly celebrated our amazing mentors during Parent Mentor Spirit Week, recognizing their hard work and commitment.
• Tutoring Program Launch:
In February, with the incredible support of our Parent Mentors, Blanca Leal, and Eduardo Perez, Hillcrest launched a Tutoring Program—supporting 19 students in strengthening their reading skills.
• Community Fundraising:
_ $1,000 was donated to the school for new mats.
_ $335.50 will be used to purchase thoughtful gifts for our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
Glenview Middle School
A Strong Start
This year marks an exciting start for Wilson Middle School and Glenview Middle School as first-time participants in the Parent Mentor Program. With the leadership of their coordinator, Tresa, both schools have launched with heart and purpose. She not only recruited and supported parent mentors, but also helped bilingual students who previously felt disconnected become more engaged and confident in their school communities. To bring families closer together, Tresa even organized a fun and successful Skate Night for both schools. Her dedication is already making a lasting impact.
Wilson Middle School
LADDERS Of Opportunity
Paraprofessional License (Short-Term & Long-Term)
ESL (Level 1)
ESL (Level 2)
GED
ACT Workkeys
Gateways To Opportunity
Pathway To College (2yr / 4yr)
LADDERS Organizer - Rolando Gonzalez
Rural Parent Mentor Program
MacArthur Early Childhood Center
• Merry & Bright:
Parent Mentors sponsored a week of Holiday fun for the teachers and staff. Teachers were able to compete in games to earn SEL and educational toys for their classrooms before enjoying lunch with their parent mentors.
• Collaborations:
We collaborated with local Organizations like Birth to Five IL region 26 to bring trainings to our parent mentors on local resources that they can share with the community
Lincoln Elementary School
• District-Wide Costume Drive:
Parent Mentors from all 3 MacArthur, Lincoln and Edison Schools collaborated to host a district-wide costume drive, helping to ensure all who wanted to could participate in the holiday fun!
• Spirit Week Celebration:
We proudly celebrated our mentors during Parent Mentor Spirit Week, recognizing their hard work and commitment to the schools, students, teachers, and community.
Edison Elementary School
• Supply Drive:
Edison Parent Mentors collaborated to run a supply drive for the school, successfully stocking up on much-needed supplies to help get through to the end the school year.
• Volunteering:
Parent Mentors within our schools volunteer in many places within the community. Big Brother’s Big Sisters-a mentoring program, Birth to Five IL, local pantries and supply closets, and more.
Western Elementary School
• Accomplishments:
Our rural parent mentors have together completed upwards of 2,000 volunteer hours this school year.
Many of our Parent Mentors have gone on to earn credentials in Early Childhood Education, and some are even working for our school districts.
PARENT MENTORS PLANO
This program began in Plano three years ago at P.H.MILLER School, with three parent mentors. It started by working with two dual language kindergarten classrooms, two dual language first-grade, and one regular kindergarten classroom.
WHAT THE PARENT MENTORS DO?
They support the classroom based on the teacher’s needs. Typically, they work with students one-on-one or in small groups, focusing on math, writing, or reading.
Parent Mentors are available from Monday to Thursday for two hours. They receive training every Wednesday and Friday.
Parent mentor also assist with field trips and events such as open house or reading nights.
Other activities carried out by the Parent Mentors include helping to set up the monthly bulletin boards in second and third grade hallways at Centennial.
PARENT MENTORS 2024
The parent mentor team grew to 6 members, and work was done with 9 groups: 7 from kindergarten and 2 from first grade.
Additionally, a donation of 100 books was secured for the dual language groups, which are currently being used in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.
2024-2025
The parent Mentor program was extended to Centennial School, with 9 parents assisting in 9 classrooms: 5 second grade and 4 third grade.
P.H. Miller school has 8 parents, who are helping in 8 classrooms.
The highlights achieved this school year.
The parent mentors at Centennial started a book club, working with children who are reading at or above grade level, with the goal of continuing to encourage them to achieve further objectives. The parent mentors organized a fundraiser to purchase 22 books, as well as craft materials for the holiday celebration that was offered to the community.
Thank you !