Welcome to Fantastic Fridays: A Panther Lunch Buddies Mentorship Program!
We are excited to invite you to be a part of an extraordinary opportunity that combines play, healthy eating, and meaningful connections.
The Fantastic Fridays program, hosted by the Long Lake Elementary Health & Wellbeing Team, is gearing up for a fantastic year.
About FANTASTIC FRIDAYS
Fantastic Fridays is a mentorship program designed to create a vibrant, positive, and engaging school environment.
By joining forces with Long Lake Elementary's noon duty staff and Support Team, we aim to achieve the following objectives:
Joyful Recess: Ensure that all Panthers experience fun and happiness during recess through a variety of playful activities and games.
Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage healthy eating habits by modeling nutritious meal choices in the cafeteria.
Positive Relationships: Build strong connections between students and community mentors, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Physical Activity: Increase physical activity and movement during recess, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Behavioral Improvement: Decrease behavioral issues in both the cafeteria and on the playground, contributing to a more harmonious school environment.
How Fantastic fridays Work
Play: Inspired by PlayWorks, our recess activities encompass a range of options, from traditional sports like soccer, basketball, and football, to interactive tag games and engaging playground activities. Students and mentors have the freedom to choose activities they enjoy.
Eat: Mentors act as role models for healthy eating habits by consuming cafeteria meals alongside students. Demonstrating balanced eating choices has proven to positively influence students' dietary preferences.
Connect: Building positive relationships is a cornerstone of Fantastic Fridays. Mentors engage in conversations, actively listen to students' stories, and share their own experiences, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Become a Mentor
We invite individuals who are passionate about contributing to the growth and success of young Panthers to join Fantastic Fridays as mentors.
By dedicating just one hour per week on Fridays, you can:
Help Panthers thrive academically and emotionally.
Engage in exciting activities and play.
Promote healthy eating habits.
Support a happy and healthy Long Lake community.
Fantastic Fridays are divided into three seasons:
Fall Season: Start of School Year - Winter Break (starts September 22, 2023)
Winter Season: Winter Break - Spring Break
Spring Season: Spring Break - End of School Year
Mentors commit to at least one season where they will eat for one (20 minute) lunch and play for two (20 minute) recesses every Friday.
Choose from two shifts:
Shift #1: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Shift #2: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Three mentors/shift.
Consistency is crucial for success, so we encourage mentors to commit to at least one season, attending most sessions.
How to Join:
To become a mentor, complete the Lunch Buddies application form, pass a background check, and attend a 30-minute training session conducted by TCAPS staff.
Contact Ty Schmidt, TCAPS’ District Wellness Coordinator, at schmidtty@tcaps.net with questions.
Fantastic Fridays is part of TCAPS Health & Wellbeing's Lunch Buddies Mentorship Program, which has expanded to all district elementary schools in 2023/24.
Learn more TCAPS' reimagined health and wellbeing efforts HERE.