Friday, September 7, 2001
|
Friday, September 7, 2001 |
|
School system looking for mentors The Coweta County School System's mentor program is seeking committed citizens who would like to make a difference in children's lives and education. The first of several one-hour orientation sessions will begin Sept. 11 and will continue throughout the year. Sessions will be 9 - 10 a.m. at the Coweta County School System Administration Building, at 237 Jackson Street in Newnan. Sessions will be second and fourth Tuesdays, except December. Bonnie Garrison, the executive director of the school system's Communities in Schools program, and also head of the mentor program, said there is a demand for citizens serving as mentors to school-age children. Garrison said there are approximately 300 mentors serving in the school system currently, "and I I've already gotten requests this year for several students who need mentoring," she said. Mentors are paired with students by the schools, and each is asked to set aside one hour a week to spend with that student, helping academically or just lending a friendly ear. "It may not be academics; most times its some underlying problem," said Garrison. "Sometimes students need someone neutral to talk to ... just need for someone to show they're interested in their success. That's what a mentor can do help a child succeed." Garrison frequently appeals to civic groups and other organizations to involve themselves in public schools by encouraging their members to become mentors. The school system's business partners, for example, are encouraged to get to know a new partner school or maintain their participation in it through serving in mentor programs. "It's one of the best ways to participate in the schools, because it's one-on-one with a child," he said. To be a mentor, participants only have to come to one one-hour training session. The session will provide an overview of the mentor program and ideas on how to interact with a student. Participants will need to fill out information for a background check, and will have to follow some basic school policies and procedures as part of their participation. Some frequently asked questions about the mentor program include: What is a mentor? A mentor is a trusted friend who is committed and dedicated to making a difference in a child's life. A mentor creates experiences that will help the child feel valued, supported and encouraged. With what kind of child does a mentor work? All children can benefit from their relationships with mentors. Since we don't have one mentor per student, we have to be selective about who gets a mentor. Children who are assigned mentors are those who seem to need a little extra something. Their parents or teachers may ask for someone to assist the child with reading or writing, or they may seek someone who can help the child develop hobbies. The chosen students may simply need the extra companionship of a responsible adult. What are a mentor's responsibilities? A mentor accepts the child as he or she is. A mentor becomes a special friend and builds self-esteem. The mentor and the child may spend an hour each week reading a book, playing an educational game, or just talking. The student, the mentor and the teacher set the agenda together. How much time is involved? A mentor is asked to visit a child for only one hour per week in the school setting. In order to avoid disappointments to the child, mentors are asked to make a commitment to participate for a minimum of one school year. Are there special qualifications/training to become a mentor? Mentoring has a place for you even if you don't have a special talent or skill. Your hobby or your work may lend excitement or have special appeal as a learning experience for a student. Sharing your time and listening to your student can have a powerful impact on both of your lives. Who benefits? Everyone. Your involvement will bring you a great deal of personal satisfaction. Mentoring will add to your life. You will make new friends and feel the pleasure of helping others. Most of all, the students benefit. They receive more individual attention, and they learn to work with and communicate with caring adults. At the same time, they learn about their community and themselves. For information phone any school or Bonnie Garrison at 770-254-2737.
|
||