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Imagine arriving at school with your parents, and a line of individuals are there waiting to open the car door for you and greet you with a big smile and “good morning,” along with a high five, a handshake, or perhaps a hug. All the while, in the background, the Jackson 5 are belting out ‘ABC,’ followed by ‘Boogie Wonderland’ by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and the Partridge Family reminding you to ‘Come on Get Happy.’ And to top it off, you are escorted to the sidewalk, told to have a wonderful day, and sent on your way. A literal smile epidemic. However, the students at Chocowinity Primary don’t have to imagine it, as this is how they start every week on Mentoring Monday.

The program started about two years ago when school officials were exploring ways of going from a B school to an A school. “We began digging through the weeds to figure out ways to help our kids succeed while at school,” said Lynn Whittington, principal at Chocowinity Primary. “It all came down to parental support, community support, and maintaining relationships with our families and students and letting them know we care about them. Not just reading and math but the whole child.”

Whittington said during one of their parent-guided meetings, the suggestion was made to bring some professionals inside the building. Those who went on after school and did great things with their lives, and have given back to the community. And thus, the program was born.

Each Monday morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., the volunteers gather at the school opening car doors for the students or greeting them as they get off the buses. Some will help out in the cafeteria wiping down the tables and even sitting down and having breakfast with the students. Others may stay a little longer and read a book to the students. “The entire process allows for relationship building between the volunteers and the students,” said Whittington. “It lets the kids know there are others out there who care about them.”

“When I was growing up, I didn’t have a mentor,” said volunteer Carnell Williams. “I just like to give back to the kids. And if being here can help to change one life, so be it. I get a special feeling inside being able to open a door for them. I love it.”

School counselor Leslie Jones said they elected to go with all male volunteers for a reason. “At the elementary level, we don’t have as many male employees, as the majority of our teachers are female,” said Jones. “The students are around females all day, every day. So we like having the male volunteers here even if it is only once a week to help to balance that out.”

David Fields just loves being with the kids and greeting them each Monday morning. “I love the kids,” said Fields “When you first open the car door you either see a happy face or a sad face. If they are sad, you try and make them happy before they go into school for classes. It gives the kids a different face to begin their day and the opportunity to bond with someone new. I also feel we are helping the teachers out as they have a lot on their plates, and being here allows them to get ready for their day. It is a lot of fun.”

Since the program was implemented just two years ago, Chocowinity Primary has gone from a B school to an A school as overall test scores have improved. “It is a simple concept in nature, but we believe it is working,” said Whittington. “The students really love the volunteers presence in the school. They look up to them and enjoy confiding in them and having conversations with them. And to the surprise of the volunteers, the kids enjoy sitting with them and eating breakfast.”

Those wishing to volunteer can reach out to Lesley Jones at 252-946-3881 or ljones@beaufort.k12.nc.us.