After a hiatus of more than two years due to visitor restrictions in schools, Bill Arp Elementary School (BAES) is excited to welcome the return of the Patriot Pals program.
In this program, BAES students are matched with student volunteers from Alexander High School (AHS). These AHS Patriot Pals come to BAES every Wednesday and spend time with their pals. They play games, facilitate discussions about goals and progress, and serve as mentors and role models for their younger friends.
This year, for the first time, a former program participant has returned to give back to the program that helped him years ago.
Chandler Reinke, a current AHS student, participated in Patriot Pals when he attended BAES. The program is already in high gear, and the students are
excited about the relationships that are being built. Mrs. Jessica Fortier, BAES school counselor, coordinates the program cooperatively with Mrs. Julie Jeffcoat, work-based learning coordinator at AHS.