“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.