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INTRODUCTION

According to Webster, “a mentor is a close, trusted, and experienced guide who, being detached can hold up a mirror to us…”

Mentoring can best be described as a relationship between a committed, caring, experienced adult and an inexperienced young person who lacks focus.  Where there has been a lack of success in school, feelings of achievement may begin; where there has been no joy learning, the excitement of discovery may be stimulated; where there has been no future goal, ambition and aspiration are new desires; and the student awakens to a new beginning.

The Mentor Program began as a result of concerns by the Board of Education and Altus Task Force 2000 about the number of students within our school system who needed time, attention, and direction by a non-judgmental, supportive adult.

During the 1991-92 school year three exemplary mentor programs were reviewed in an effort to design a program for Altus Public Schools that would successfully meet the needs of our students.  An appointed committee designed the program that was piloted at Altus Intermediate School during the 1993-94 school year.  Totals of 19 students were matched with mentors and became the first in Altus to experience the mentor/mentee relationship and the possibilities such a partnership can provide.

MISSION STATEMENT

Believing that all students can be productive citizens, the Altus Public Schools Mentor Program is designed to increase their opportunities for success.

WHY MENTOR?

The mentoring relationship can best be described as a relationship between a committed, caring, experienced adult and an inexperienced young person who lacks direction and focus. Through the guidance and counsel of a thoughtful adult, the young person receives selective attention and inspiration.  Where there has been a lack of success in school, feelings of achievement may begin; where there has been no joy of learning, the excitement of discovery may be stimulated; where there has been no future goal, ambition and aspiration are new desires; and where the strain of poverty has been stifling, education becomes an awakening to a better life.

WHAT IS MENTORING
  • Developing a child’s self-esteem
  • Fostering a child’s self-esteem
  • Helping a child set and reach his/her goals
  • Encouraging a child
  • Listening and communicating
  • Sharing your time, talents and yourself with others
  • Showing a child someone cares
  • Being a friend, a role model and a teacher
  • Showing that self-sufficiency is a way of life
  • Reinforcing educational goals and helping a student strive for academic improvement
  • Giving back to the community
  • Helping a student look into the world and realize what preparation is needed for him/her to enter
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MENTORING PROGRAM
1. Provide a caring, sincere and committed model of behavior for the student
A. Encourage on a personal level by listening as a nonjudgmental friend
B. Develop a level of trust with the student
2. Enhance the student’s self-esteem, confidence and feelings of worth by being a positive role model
A. Help the student identify the positive things in his/her life
B. Help the student develop personal interests
C. Convey a sense of “hope” that is largely dependent upon the student
D. Clarify values which lead to a more positive attitude
3. Develop a positive belief in the benefits of education
A. Encourage students by conferring with teachers and assisting them in getting academic help
B. Give praise for classroom accomplishments to reinforce the importance of academics
C. Encourage behaviors consistent with school rules and regulations
D. Help the student become more involved in all aspects of school
4. Instill in the youth a sense of responsibility
A. Encourage students to set realistic short and long term goals
B. Assist students with the decision making process
C. Develop problem solving skills
D. Convey the importance of respect for self and others
TYPES OF MENTORS

The Mentor as a FRIEND will strive to:
  • Illustrate a warm and caring attitude toward the student
  • Listen non-judgmentally to the student
  • Devote time to the relationship
  • Act as positive influence
The Mentor as a Motivator will strive to:
  • Nurture self-esteem within the Help the student set and work toward realistic goals
  • Give constructive feedback through positive reinforcement
  • Share information, knowledge and skills
  • Support and participate in the work with the student to find alternative ways of solving problems and searching for answers

The Mentor as a TUTOR will strive to:

  • Prevent a student from dropping out
  • Acquaint the student with the world of work, the importance of self-reliance and possible career training
  • Support the school in the educational process
  • Provide extra educational help in a specific subject where improvement is needed

MENTOR SELECTION PROCESS

Who Can Be a Mentor? Almost anyone can be a mentor! However, to be an effective mentor, you must have certain characteristics and interests.  The effective mentor is one who:

  • Cares about young people and their future.
  • Communicates and innovates effectively.
  • Listens – does not judge.
  • Suggests and guides.
  • Commits time to the student and the program.
  • Gives and shares.
  • Adapts to different situations, feelings and growth patterns a child experiences.

If one feels he/she has these traits, then he/she is ready to begin the process of becoming a mentor.

  • Step I - Fill out a brief mentor application form.  Application may be obtained at one of the Altus schools or the Administrative Center .
  • Step II - Once references are received and if approved, the applicant will receive notification of acceptance.
  • Step III - Meet with a representative of the mentoring program.  During this orientation meeting the applicant may ask and respond to questions, share ideas and receive helpful information about mentoring.
  • Step IV - After the orientation meeting and program qualifications have been met, the mentor will be assigned a student as students are recommended to the program.  At this point the mentor will receive needed school information, etc. and be matched with a student.

REVIEW OF PROCEDURE

1. Submit application  
2. References received     
3. School Assignment  
4. Orientation meeting
5. School orientation
6. Student assigned
7. Work with student begins
 
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