BUNKER HILL, Ind. – A new girls’ mentorship program at Maconaquah Elementary School is strengthening reading skills and self esteem through hair styling.
Books and Braids was introduced to Mac El this year, and the program pairs students with educators for weekly one-on-one meetings. Mentors style their mentee’s hair while the mentee reads aloud. Mac El fifth grade teacher Tori Shone started the program with Instructional Assistant Ronna Grant after seeing another school implement something similar. 22 students signed up for the program during Meet the Teacher night at Mac El in August. Fourth grade student Morgan Coleman meets with Principal Kelly McPike on a weekly basis. She said their meetings are a highlight of her week. Not only does she enjoy the time with her mentor, but she’s also improving her reading ability. Shone said her mentees leave each session with a higher self confidence that stays with them for the remainder of the day and she hopes the program grows in mentors and mentee students in the future.