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Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

Mentoring Program

START Mentor Program

The purpose of the START Mentor program is to provide your child with an opportunity to make a meaningful connection with another caring adult in our school. Mentoring provides students with a safety net, an opportunity to test new ideas, receive personalized feedback and support to reduce stress, accelerate learning, and develop a greater sense of unity within our school. The staff mentor is able to address concerns that otherwise may go unaddressed, matters that may lead to misunderstandings, problematic behaviors, and, perhaps even academic difficulties.

8th Grade Peer Mentor Program

What is a mentor?

A mentor is a student who serves as a positive role model. A mentor should be a kind person, a good listener, and offer support and guidance. The goal in the mentor relationship is to help new students feel comfortable with the transition to middle school through a positive peer relationship. 8th grade mentors will be matched up with a new 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student(s) new to middle school.

How do I apply to be a mentor?

Attached is the application form that needs to be filled out. Please be sure to get 2 teacher recommendations and have a parent signature. The completed applications will need to be filled out by May 17th. Please bring completed applications to the counseling office. Once all applications are in, they will be reviewed and mentors will be chosen. Not all applicants will be selected as mentors

What does a mentor do?

After being picked to join the mentor program, you will need to go through mentor training. The mentor training will teach the students how to act as positive role models. The students will also learn strategies about starting a mentor relationship, using good listening skills, and giving positive and appropriate advice to students. When a student commits to the mentor program, we ask that he/she agree to commit for the entire year and attend scheduled meetings on a regular basis. Peer Mentors will be required to attend a one day training on Monday August 26th from 8:30-3:00, attend the New Student and Family BBQ on Wednesday August 28th from 3-7, and attend the Making Your Way Program on Tuesday September 10th. During the school year Peer Mentors will be meeting with their buddies on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. During the meetings the program sponsors will assist in the relationship building through group activities, while also allowing time for mentors and buddies to get to know one another.

When do the mentor meetings take place?

Weekly or Bi-weekly meetings will be scheduled during 10th Period with the supervision of the counseling staff.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school counseling office.