A Better Transition South Kingstown High School Mentoring Program Freshman Mentors Transfer Mentors Breakfast Club Mentors Tuesday Tutoring Anahid Avedesian and Barbara Crudale School Counselors, South Kingstown High School RISCA Fall Conference, 2015

Some Background Info South Kingstown High School, Grades faculty members with 1020 students 21.5% receive free/reduced lunch 16% minority 88.7% attend 4 or 2 year post-secondary school Advisory on Mon, Tues and Thurs, Fri for 28 minutes

Inspiration Summer Book Club, 2008: “Whatever it Takes” by DuFour Two results of Summer Book Club:  Need a better transition program for students moving from middle school to high school  Visit to Adlai Stephenson High School, Lincolnshire, Illinois

SK Mentoring Program was created Freshman Mentor Program started in Junior and Seniors are mentors of Freshmen Visit freshman advisory, once per week on Thursday 6 adults oversee the program The Mentor Program provides each freshman with a supportive environment that helps ease their adjustment from middle school to high school. The personal, social and academic growth of each freshman student is nurtured through an ongoing orientation that includes information about school policies, procedures and programs, academic and social counseling and relationship building through upperclassmen mentors.

Mentors

What is included in a Mentor Application? Completion of the application packet by the due date. Have a “C” average. Excellent attendance record Involved in co-curricular activities Recommendations from two adults: – faculty member – coach or extra-curricular activity leader Returning applicants must have a recommendation from the Ninth Grade Advisor All applications are scored by 2 adults

What is the role of a mentor? Attend a Training Session & Freshman Orientation Night, late August Visit freshman advisory, once per week on Thursdays Attend Open House Escort freshmen to Club Fair Attend in-house field trips (2 per year)

What really happens in Advisory?

SKHS Club Fair 2015

Transfer Mentors Each year, about 30 students transfer to SKHS Role of Transfer Mentors – Create welcoming environment for new students – Give tours to new students – Attend New Student Breakfast – Assist at Transfer Student Portfolio Workshops

New Student Breakfast

Breakfast Club Mentors We provide peer models for students who are in need of guided social interactions and, more importantly, bring students of all abilities together. Meet with special education students during Advisory weekly Monday – 14 mentors Tuesday – 16 mentors

Process Data and SKHS Mentoring Program 59 freshman mentors in 17 advisories 6 transfer mentors 30 Breakfast Club mentors 6 adult coordinators

Perception Data from Mentors “I have had a chance to meet freshmen and help them receive the best experience at SKHS.” “I can answer their questions and it’s nice to know they trust me.” “I like getting to know fellow mentors. I’ve learned how to interact with many different types of people.” “The best part of mentoring is developing diverse relationships.” “I found I have more patience and improved my public speaking skills.” “It’s fun. I feel more outgoing and that I am a better leader.”

Perception Data from Freshman “They have told us the details about school traditions and made me feel welcome.” “All three are hilarious and come up with unusual games for us.” “The are always approachable and considerate. They are fun people and good role models.” “They have explained activities and events to us.” “My Advisory is usually not all that exciting, so I look forward to Thursdays because the mentors always make it fun.”

Perception Data from Advisors “I would recommend my mentors without a doubt because they are confident, warm, well-mannered, intelligent, respectful and fun. My freshmen love them!” “The mentors are able to get the ninth graders to listen. They willingly do the team-building activities and seem to enjoy the experience.” “They have formed relationships with my advisees and they respect/like the mentors, as do I. Some days, my mentors basically just hang out/chat with my advisees. This works fine & the mentors and freshmen are open/comfortable with each other.”

Perception Data from Parents & Faculty Counselors seen as taking an integral role in transitioning of students from middle school and transfer students to SKHS. SKHS is a high school concerned about the transition of 8th graders and new students to secondary school.

Tuesday Tutoring Held in the cafeteria during Tuesday Advisory Q2, Q3, Q4 Tutors are CARES volunteers and upperclassmen Drop in program for all students; freshmen are encouraged to attend Tutors are available in math, English, science, social studies and world languages Attendance is reported to the faculty

Lessons Learned Collaboration and communication with faculty, administration and students is important for sharing of information about the program Find small grants for funding Informational assemblies generate enthusiasm for mentoring application in the spring Start small!