School Zone
Community Engagement
Now more than ever students need mentors to help them succeed in their academic and personal lives. Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals has called upon our community to be a part of the solution by mentoring our students.
The mentor-student relationship is a special one. A caring adult volunteer offers support, friendship, reinforcement and positive role modeling on a regular basis to a child who needs compassion, guidance, a good listener, positive words and hope for the future. Magic occurs because of the consistent, caring relationship. Long-term changes and positive results happen often in the lives of both mentees and mentors.
Mentoring: A personal account by Karen Hanson
"I met my mentee when she was in ninth grade. A good student and positive role model for her peers already, she didn't seem like the "type" of student who needed a mentor. In the times we talked together, it became apparent that she was painfully shy and had a difficult time talking with adults, who often scared or confused her. Through encouragement, little challenges and some assistance, she was able to overcome her shyness.
My mentee is now in her third year of college and is doing well. She was able to confidently seek funding for her school's art program from a major benefactor and her request was granted. With confidence, she successfully interviewed for a scholarship to the college of her dreams.
Did I do anything magical? No. I listened and encouraged her, and we took baby steps together. I didn't teach her public speaking. Rather, we learned skills and enhanced them together along with writing...and drawing...and laughing...and talking."
To learn more about becoming a mentor, please contact the Community Involvement Office at 904-390-2960.
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