SFLS to Launch K-12 Mentor Program during Spring Semester
This spring, Sioux Falls Lutheran School will launch a new Mentor Program for Kindergarten through 12th grade students—an initiative rooted in Scripture, modeled after the ministry of Jesus, and built on the simple but transformative power of consistent, caring presence.
Jesus modeled mentorship so perfectly for His disciples. During their ministry together, Jesus was a constant and consistent presence in their lives; he walked with them, taught them, listened to them, and reminded them daily they were loved and worthy.
Constancy and consistency are gifts from one to another, a gift especially precious to a child.
The SFLS Mentor Program pairs one adult mentor with a student mentee to meet once a week during the lunch hour. Students are recommended by their classroom teacher, who connects with parents first for permission. Our team then thoughtfully matches each child with a trained mentor whose gifts and personality align well. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s simply about showing up and helping a child feel valued and seen.
We are now seeking applications from individuals who feel called—or even gently nudged—to pour into a young person in this meaningful way.
If you feel even the slightest nudge, we encourage you to read the FAQs below and prayerfully consider whether God may be calling you to invest in a child through this meaningful ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mentor?
To put it simply, a mentor is a man or woman willing to spend time with a student. The mentor shows interest in the student, shows care for the student, listens intently, asks questions, and lets the student know he or she has an extra adult who supports him or her. All of this is done simply by being present with your student during his or her lunch break once per week.
Why should you consider being a mentor?
The best reason is that you will make a lasting impact on the life of a young person. Your consistent presence will mean the world to your student, and he or she will remember what you did for a long time.
How do I mentor a student?
There are an endless number of ways to do this, but we would encourage you to utilize the many different games we have available to play together. During the game time, you can get to know each other through natural conversations. Your time, presence, interest, and care are the key elements you are offering when you mentor.
When would I meet with my mentee?
Once you are assigned to a mentee, you will be informed of the time of his or her lunch break. Looking at your schedule for the week, you then determine which weekday works for you to come meet with the student every week at that time.
Where would I meet with my student?
Mentors and mentees will meet in the reading area at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Games and books are provided for your use.
How do I become a mentor?
All potential mentors are asked to submit an application and authorize a background check. Once your application has been approved, you will be paired with a student who will benefit from your care. In the meantime, you will be invited to a training session that will thoroughly explain the program, hash out the details, and help you confidently start on the right foot with your work as a mentor.
Mentor Program Committee
This program has taken shape through faithful planning, thoughtful design, and heartfelt commitment from a dedicated group of individuals. We are deeply grateful for the Mentor Programming Committee and their leadership in bringing this ministry to life:
On-Site Program Coordinators
- Brooke Aker
- Barb DeVos
Mentor Programming Committee Members
- Virginia Strubbe – Lutheran Family Services Liaison, Mentor Training Leader, Mentor Liaison
- Pastor Corey Aker – Mentor Screening & Participant Retention
- Brian Pederson – Male Mentor Recruiter, Mentor Screening
- Peggy Baney – Grant Writer, Technology Support
- Jennie Hohn – Assist. with Mentor Training; Matching Committee
- Angela Hoekman – End-of-Year Celebration Coordinator; Mentor
- Brenda Bernard – Leadership Team Representative
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.