Step Four- Kick-Off Connections

Several activities between mentors and "their" students will be necessary to make a true connection and monitor academic and social progress

This important step consists of a series of at least eight continuing mentoring sessions. Each mentor needs to stay in contact with "their" students in order to make positive connections. These contacts are important throughout the year, but are especially significant at the beginning of school and during the first semester. The data indicates that most high school dropouts make the decision to leave during the first two weeks of their freshman year. Mentoring programs have been shown to have a positive affect on drop out rates as well as preparing students for middle school.

There must be a minimum of eight follow-up sessions planned during the school year. The continuing mentor sessions consist of mentors talking about topics that will improve communication and generate positive discussion about important topics. Follow-up sessions are planned during the school year on announced dates and topics that are strategic to significant events in the lives of the new students.

For Example:

• Getting involved in school activities: beginning of the school year
• Study Habits: before first round of tests
• How to study for final exams: three weeks prior to exams
• Choosing the right courses: prior to spring course registration
• Making the right choices: before Homecoming and/or the Prom

There must also be planned social activities at the beginning of the school year. These are usually planned to coordinate with events such as tailgates before sporting events, ice cream socials or "mixers" during study hall, dances, etc. The goal of these activities is to help the new students feel accepted and more comfortable in their new social environment. These activities also tend to build class and school spirit.

Goals:

• Provide new students with continued reinforcement of positive values
• Provide a continuing source of information as new challenges are encountered
• Maintain the mentors in a position to be positive role models
• Provide a positive atmosphere that will encourage students to stay in school
• The mentors monitor progress and act as a safety net for new students
• Mentors act as liaisons between teachers, counselors, and administrators

Back to Step 3 | Continue to Step 5
Return to the 5-Step Program Summary