Allie Skolek

From the classrooms to the hallways of Shepherd Middle School, where students juggle homework, friendships, and growing pains, one person is making sure no child gets lost in the shuffle. Her name is Allie Skolek, and she’s the district’s new student mentor—a role that’s as varied as it is vital. With an infectious smile and a passion for helping kids, Allie is already proving that her impact will be felt far and wide.

“It’s brand new,” Allie says, speaking about the mentoring program that the Ottawa Elementary School District introduced this year. “The Regional Office of Education (ROE 35) piloted the program in two schools last year, and now they’ve expanded it to over ten schools.”

So, what exactly does Allie do? In short, she’s helping atrisk students navigate the challenges of school and life, making sure that every student has a fantastic year. But the role is more complex than that. Allie’s job requires a mix of data analysis, intuition, and a lot of heart. “A lot of it is data-based,” she explains. “We look at absenteeism, tardiness, grades, and even behavioral patterns to identify kids who might need extra support.”

But numbers only tell part of the story. “Sometimes there’s no data to point to, but you just know a kid needs help,” Allie says. That’s where her instincts come in. She’s constantly observing students, whether it’s during lunch or in the hallways between classes, looking for signs that a child might be struggling. “You get a gut feeling about a student, and you just know they might need someone.”

Building relationships is key to Allie’s approach. “The biggest part of being a mentor is creating a positive relationship,” she says. “I spend time getting to know the kids—what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re excelling at. I celebrate their successes and help them tackle their challenges.”

Allie’s office is a safe space for students—a place where they can open up and be themselves. She’s worked hard to make sure they know where to find her and how to reach out. “I introduced myself during the first week of school, going class to class, and I also sent literature home to parents,” she says. “I want students to know they can come to me whenever they need to.”

It’s a delicate balancing act—knowing when to step in and when to step back. “Some kids need tough love, while others need a hug,” Allie says. “There’s no script for this job. You have to be able to read the room and adapt to what each child needs.”

The program isn’t just about addressing immediate issues; it’s about long-term success. Allie’s role is to help students set goals and achieve them, whether it’s improving their grades, building better relationships with their peers, or simply showing up to class on time. “We set goals together, and I’m there to help them every step of the way.”

Of course, there are times when Allie needs to refer students to additional resources, like counselors or social workers. “Shepherd is lucky,” Allie says. “We have a counselor, a social worker, and even a district psychologist who comes in once a week. I’m always in communication with them.” But Allie’s work doesn’t stop at the school’s borders. The ROE has provided her with a wealth of community resources, and she uses them to ensure that students are getting the help they need, whether it’s related to school or home life.

For Allie, being a mentor is more than just a job—it’s a calling. She didn’t come into the role by accident. After spending five years as a teacher, she felt drawn to this new challenge. “I’ve always loved working with middle school students,” she says. “They’re in this weird, awkward phase where they’re not quite kids anymore, but they’re not adults yet either. It’s a fun age to work with because they’re figuring themselves out.”

Allie’s journey into education started much earlier, though, thanks to a second-grade teacher named Chris Kenelly. “I hated school when I was young,” she admits. “I was a terrible reader, and I didn’t want to be there. But Mr. Kenelly was patient with me, he encouraged me, and he made me believe in myself. He’s the reason I wanted to become a teacher. I thought, ‘If he can do that for me, I want to do that for someone else.’” And now, she’s doing exactly that. For the Ottawa Elementary School District, having a mentor like Allie Skolek is more than just an added bonus—it’s a lifeline for students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. As the program continues to grow and evolve, Allie hopes that it will expand even further. “I have friends in education, and they ask me all the time, ‘Why doesn’t my school have this?’” she says. “I hope that momentum continues and more schools get the support they need.”

As the year goes on, one thing is certain: Allie Skolek will continue to make a difference. Whether she’s helping a student get to class on time or offering a listening ear, her presence is felt throughout the school. And for the students at Shepherd Middle School, having someone like Allie on their side might just be the key to unlocking their full potential.