“My Big Sister is the one who put Happy in Happiness. I'm lucky to have a Big Sister like her. She makes me laugh a lot.”

Bigs Frequently Asked Questions

For school based Bigs: How do I know if the school where I am a Big is closed for break?

The website for the school district can help:
http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/ or you can contact your Match Support Specialist.

What should I do if I am unable to see my Little this week?

For Bigs in Schools Bigs: Please call your Match Support Specialist first, because he/she needs to be the primary contact. However, if you are unable to speak to your MSS, please call the school at which you are matched and speak to the person listed below. Let him/her know that you cannot meet with your Little today and why. Also, be sure to let him/her know your Little's name and teacher.

Rita Cannan: Dominique, Secretary, 353-5750

Hunter Lake: Yvonne, Secretary, 333-5040

Mount Rose: Allison, Secretary, 333-5030

Sierra Vista: Ashley Posnien, Counselor, 333-5080

Grace Warner: Teri, Administrative Assistant, 746-5830

Veterans: Jennie, Secretary, 333-5090

For Community Based Bigs: Contact the parent or guardian at the best place (home, work or cell.)

What should I do if I have a concern for my Little's safety?

If there is an immediate threat, contact the police immediately. Always also contact your Match Support Specialist, if it's during regular work hours, or during the next possible working hours.
If not immediate threat, but you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact your Match Support Specialist during the next possible work day. Key contact phone numbers, especially outside of regular business hours:

Child Protective Services (M-F, 8-5) 328-2300
Crisis Call Center (after hours/weekends) 784-8090
Reno Police 334-2175
Sparks Police 353-2208
Washoe County Sheriff 328-3001

For Bigs in Schools

Building bonds between your Little and his or her school is easier by using your “Me and My Big Journal.”

Littles earn points for prizes based on their use of the journal. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the school year Match Party. This year, we were able to give each School Based Little wonderful prizes ranging from coloring books to footballs to craft sets.

The journal is organized by a monthly calendar and then each month has a “Bragging Page” where the two of you can write:
• New things the Little has learned
• Positive comments from school personnel
• The highest grades the Little has earned

Use the calendar in the journal to track your Little’s school attendance by putting a star on each week with perfect attendance. Each star earns one point.

A Learning Ladder is in the back of each journal, which corresponds the Core Competency page or grade page for what your Little is learning that year. Brain Boosters for each rung of the ladder refer to any one of the requirements from the Core Competencies. So, matches choose a Brain Booster and then plan an activity to learn about it.

For example, if your Little is in 6th grade, one of the requirements for math is to understand perimeter, area, volume, surface area, and angles. Choosing a fun activity that incorporates these properties could be building a gingerbread house and then measuring it to determiner the perimeter, area, etc.

Each rung of the Learning Ladder must be a different activity. You cannot read a book for every Brain Booster! Get creative and make it fun! Each rung of the Ladder is worth 1 point. If you complete the first Ladder, obtain another from your Match Support Specialist.