CATCH

CATCH was started in 1995 to serve the needs of students at Community Magnet Elementary School who were performing under their academic potential. The program seeks to match concerned community members with selected students who would benefit from ongoing individual attention and academic tutoring. In 1997, CATCH was awarded a grant by the Governor’s Office on Child Development and Education in recognition of the benefit that positive adult role models have on student achievement. Our goal is to expand and provide mentor relationships to every child at
Community School.

Our Vision

CATCH engages community partners in one on one mentoring to help children develop skills to achieve their highest potential.

Our Mission

to help children reach their full potential

to provide a stable relationship between a caring adult mentor and a receptive child

to provide academic support, friendship and encouragement

to assist children to become successful in school, broaden their horizons, and build
the self confidence and enthusiasm that will carry them through high school and beyond

Objectives

Increased Academic and Social Achievement

Improved Attendance through increased enthusiasm for learning

Increased self-confidence and community awareness

On Becoming a Mentor

CATCH recruits and provides training for quality volunteers who will commit to mentoring a minimum of one hour per week. During that hour, the mentor may tutor in basic skills, assist with homework, work with the child on a school project, or just talk and listen. Those interested in becoming mentors are asked to attend an initial orientation session, agree to required background and health checks, and continue to expand their mentoring skills through periodic interactive meetings sponsored by CATCH. In addition, ongoing individual support for mentors is available from Academic and Outreach Co-ordinators of the program.

The Key Elements of Successful Mentoring

Be there. The consistent, reliable presence of an adult builds trust with the
children.

Be involved. Interest and attention are powerful tools in promoting communication.

Be positive. Encouragement and praise empowers students to believe in themselves.

Caring Adults

President Bill Clinton said recently that people who are “successful have one thing in common. At a critical juncture in their early adolescence, they had a positive relationship with a caring adult.” You may remember a person from your childhood who made a significant impact at a critical point in your life. CATCH offers you the opportunity to be that special person for a child today.