Mentoring program aimed at at-risk students

 
        Middle school can be a difficult time socially and academically for students. Some need extra support, advice and guidance from a mentor. These days, some of the most effective mentors aren’t just teachers and guidance counselors – they’re also actual students.

         This is the philosophy behind the mentoring program at Fort Plain Junior/Senior High School that matches junior and senior National Honor Society members with 7th and 8th grade students identified by their teachers as being “at-risk” academically and/or socially.
        
           Using researched-based models, Counselor Colleen Cushing, together with teaching assistants Jennifer Rivenburgh and Denise Smith trained an initial group of mentors during the district’s Professional Development Day, Jan. 15. Training topics included role of the mentor, supportive and non-supportive communication, applying active listening skills, establishing and maintaining boundaries, and resources and activities. Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program was used as a model for the training.

          Beginning Jan. 21 until the end of the school year, mentors and their charges met for at least one hour per week. Goals of the program are to have the at-risk students more connected to the school community, have a positive role model they can look to for advice and support, and reduce the chance they will drop out of school.

          Junior mentors could continue with the same mentee into the next school year, Cushing said. Also, the program might be expanded to include more middle school students and mentors, she said.  The initial group of mentors were Elizabeth Carpenter, Michael Countryman, Sam Kirkpatrick, Marybeth Allen, Ryan Gonnelly, Nolan Reese, Amy Williams, Maise Orsillo, Ashley Smith, Kaitlyn Trembley, and Tina Goldswer.  Twenty-four students want to be mentors next school year, said Principal Deborah Larrabee.

Photos from end-of-year picnic

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