A new mentorship initiative is helping fifth graders at Poe Elementary School find their footing, both socially and athletically, as they prepare for the transition to middle school.
With guidance from their eighth-grade counterparts at Cooper Middle School and student-athletes from Buffalo Grove High School, the pilot program brought together three generations of District 21 learners through a shared love of soccer.
The program, spearheaded by Colleen Evens, Dean of Students at Cooper, was designed to ease the nerves often felt by elementary students as they prepare for middle school, using peer mentorship and structured soccer activities to foster belonging, connection, and growth.
“Recognizing that the transition to middle school can feel overwhelming for some fifth graders, we wanted to design an experience that not only introduced them to Cooper but did so through meaningful relationships and fun, shared experiences,” Evens said.
Poe was the perfect fit to start with, according to Evens, as some of its fifth graders had been experiencing challenges during recess, particularly around conflict resolution and accountability during soccer games.
“We saw this as an opportunity to directly address those concerns through a structured, positive experience led by peer mentors,” Evens added. “By modeling healthy competition, communication, and teamwork, we hoped to reinforce those social-emotional skills in a supportive setting.”
With that in mind, Evens, Poe Principal Stephanie Stallman and Officer Michael Essig, school resource officer from the Buffalo Grove Police Department, collaborated to create a purposeful day of mentorship. Eighth graders at Cooper, selected for their empathy and leadership, partnered with the fifth graders from Poe for team-building exercises, soccer drills, and friendly matches. Several alumni from both schools, now attending Buffalo Grove High School, also returned to help lead and inspire the younger students.
“The pairing of mentorship with a soccer activity was the perfect blend of connection and play,” Stallman said. “Our students look up to the eighth graders, and having that mentorship take place in a relaxed, team-based environment made it easier for relationships to form naturally. Soccer created opportunities for teamwork and encouragement — all things that help students bond and feel supported.”
While the goals of the day included improving teamwork and communication, the emotional impact was equally powerful. Poe students arrived with nerves but left energized and empowered.
“There was definitely some nervous energy at first — a mix of being curious while also wanting to listen to the mentors,” Stallman said. “Our students were excited to share their thoughts, and the mentors used the presentation to facilitate the discussion about how to be an effective team. It was great to see all of our students expressing their ideas and feeling comfortable talking through problem-solving strategies.”
For Cooper students, the day offered an opportunity to grow as leaders.
“We saw them initiate conversations, demonstrate patience during activities, and lead by example,” Evens added. “Many stepped into roles as encouragers, helping younger students feel seen and supported. Their ability to adapt and connect highlighted their potential as future leaders.”
The results were immediate and heartwarming. Stallman said that on the bus ride back to Poe, fifth graders buzzed with excitement, talking not only about the fun they had, but also dreaming of one day being the mentors themselves.
“This visit turned a big question mark into something tangible and exciting,” Stallman added. “Many of our students walked away realizing that middle school isn’t as intimidating as it might seem — it’s full of supportive peers, friendly faces, and opportunities to grow.”
Both Stallman and Evens hope this is only the beginning. Plans are already underway to expand the program to include students from Kilmer and Longfellow Elementary Schools, and to establish ongoing connections between students at all three levels – elementary, middle and high school.
“Our long-term vision is to build a structured, ongoing peer advisory program that supports students through key transition points,” Evens said.
And for the fifth graders who once struggled with recess soccer? They’ve returned to Poe with new confidence—not just as players, but as teammates and future Cobras.
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