Supporting, Teaching And Reaching Students RRISD STARS Mentoring Program Your Time ... Their Future "Each one help one." That is the philosophy behind the RRISD Partners in Education Mentor Program. The school-based mentor program is designed to provide additional attention to students through a one-on-one relationship with a community volunteer. Students greatly benefit and are more motivated through interaction with an outside, positive role model. Who are Mentors? • A mentor is a responsible adult who is committed to meeting with a student weekly and offering friendship. • Mentors want to be a positive role model for a child. The mentorship program is a friendship-based, motivational program. • Mentors come from all walks of life, from parents and grandparents to business professionals and members of civic organizations. What are the benefits? • You will be a part of a community of caring adults committed to finding new ways to build assets for our children. • You will develop new friendships and feel you are doing something positive for someone else. Students benefit from the time and attention you provide. • Students often receive better grades and have fewer discipline problems after having a mentor. Who are the students? Students who are paired with mentors represent a wide range of ages, interests, and needs. Teachers, counselors, and parents may recommend students for the program. Many students request a mentor. The program is voluntary for students. Parent and student permissions are obtained before a student is matched with a mentor. How much time is involved? Mentors meet weekly with their student for 30 minutes to an hour, typically during lunch. Prior to being assigned to a student, mentors must attend an initial training session and consent to a criminal history check. Program Requirements • Commit to meet with a student for approximately 30 minutes to an hour each week throughout the school year. • Round Rock ISD is committed to the safety of all students. For this reason, all applicants must consent to a DPS criminal background check prior to acceptance into the program. • All applicants must attend a two-hour training session prior to participating in the program. • After a completed application has been processed by the Partners in Education office, Sandra Carter will visit with you about your interests, preferences, and skills so you can be best matched with students. Becoming a Mentor If you are interested in becoming a mentor at DFT, please call Deb Rowe at 428-7407. In addition, we will continue to work with the Round Rock High School PALS program. These students have successfully mentored Double File Trail students in the past and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them in the 2009-2010 school year.