2019-123 Mentor Denton UpdateDate: June 14, 2019 Report No. 2019-123
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Provide an update on the Mentor Denton program BACKGROUND: In spring 2016, the City of Denton (“City”), United Way of Denton County (“UWDC”), and the Denton Independent School District (“DISD”) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to support and grow Mentor Denton, a program that matches citizen volunteers with at-risk students to help support their academic and personal success. The MOU was effective
July 1, 2016 (see Attachment 1) and shortly thereafter, DISD hired a Community Engagement Specialist to manage the duties and responsibilities of the program. Per the MOU, each entity would contribute $20,000 funding on an annual basis and the agreement would automatically renew on a year-to-year basis. The United Way of Denton
County ended their participation in the program last year, while the City has remained a partner in the program. DISCUSSION: An overview and description of the Mentor Denton program from DISD is found in Attachment
2, including information on mentor and mentee recruitment, mentor screening, frequently asked
questions, and a timeline for 2019-2020 school year. In short, the program matches a volunteer mentor with a mentee student. Students in grades Pre-K and through 12th are identified for the program by the recommendation from teachers, parents, or principals based on academic achievement, social/emotional needs, socio-economic status, at-risk status, or parent/guardian
request. Mentors and mentees meet each week at the school for 30-60 minutes, with an hour being ideal, for the entire academic school year. Students can work with their mentors on academics, focusing on homework or assignments, or reading fluency. In addition, they can also talk about school and life, set goals, or play strategic board and card games.
The program has grown considerably over the last three years. As of April 2019, there were 1,088 mentors participating in the program throughout the school district, which represents an increase of 87.5% in total mentors compared to last year, and there had been over 29,000 hours of mentoring provided. Attachment 3 shows additional metrics by school, highlights for 2018-2019, and goals for 2019-2020.
DISD and City staff met recently to review the program, discuss opportunities to partner to promote and market the program, and discuss ongoing reporting and meetings moving forward. For 2019-2020, City staff have asked to attend meetings of the Mentor Denton board and receive reports that can be shared with City Council prior to the start of the school year (August), mid-
year (December), and end of the year (May).
Date: June 14, 2019 Report No. 2019-123
CONCLUSION:
The MOU is set to continue through the next academic fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019
through June 30, 2020 with the City contributing $20,000 in funding. If there are requests to learn more about this program or discuss the future of the program, it could be scheduled as a topic for a future City and DISD joint board meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Mentor Denton MOU 2. Program Overview (May 2019) 3. Program Update and Metrics (April 2019) 4. Program Brochure
STAFF CONTACT: Sarah Kuechler, Director of Public Affairs Sarah.Kuechler@cityofdenton.com (940) 349-8356
Mentor
May 2019
2 | P a g e
Denton ISD Mentoring Program
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all
children get the support they need to thrive. In Denton ISD alone, there are 871 homeless
children, 12,142 students who are on free lunches, and 1,863 students who are on reduced-priced
lunches. This means 43.4% of the student population is considered economically disadvantaged,
37.7% are considered at-risk and 14.4% are English Language Learners. These are some of our
students who need the support of a mentor, the most. If you reflect on your own youth, you may
remember someone who served as a mentor, someone you could trust and turn to for support and
encouragement, someone who made you feel special.
Mentoring happens when caring individuals provide young people with support, advice,
friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples. Mentoring can and does help young people
succeed, no matter what their circumstances!
At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it lets young people know that they have others
who care about them, and who will listen to their dreams and help them achieve their goals.
Budget – See Attached
Recruitment
Mentor Recruitment
Denton ISD greatly appreciates the time and effort contributed by the many community members
who make a tremendous difference in the lives of the students. For this reason, Denton ISD
works with each mentor to assure a successful match, and provide the flexibility necessitated by
the volunteer’s schedule.
Strategies
• Print media
o Work with Publications to design ads, logos, brochures, etc.
▪ Working on an ad and have brochure complete.
o Develop a social media campaign utilizing new branding (logos, website, video)
o Take out ads in DRC and 380 Guide/380 News
o Put ads and short descriptions in Chamber newsletters (Denton, Lake Cities,
Aubrey 380, Little Elm, Greater Argyle)
o Write recruitment articles for “area living” magazines, such as Lantana Living,
Argyle Living, Lake Cities Living, Little Elm Living, Aubrey magazine, Pioneer
Press (Robson Ranch), Forrestridge, other HOA magazines or newsletters – see
draft attached
o Submit ads/articles to retirement communities for their newsletters, such as
Robson Ranch, Good Samaritan, Dogwood Estates, Savannah Active Adult,
Attiva, Denton Senior Citizen Center, Union Park Del Webb community
o Submit ads/articles to Interfaith Ministries and area churches, in all communities
DISD serves for their newsletters and bulletins
o Submit ads/articles to area civic groups, such as Rotary clubs, Kiwanis, League of
Women Voters, Lions Club, etc. and ask to speak to their members, as well
3 | P a g e
• In-person recruitment
o Host mentor information sessions at various locations, such as churches, Central
Services, Robson Ranch, retirement communities/senior center
o Schedule a spot on the Denton Chamber of Commerce Coffee Grind Radio Show
o Continue to work with the VIP program at the City of Denton to find new
mentors.
▪ Use VIP as a model to take to Corinth City Council and towns along 380
for their employees to join as mentors
o Continue working with UNT High School Career Connect to place mentors at
middle and high schools, in addition to Harpool, Myers and Rodriguez Middle
Schools and Fred Moore High School.
o Develop relationships with TWU and NCTC to recruit staff/student mentors who
would be interested.
o Visit with Denton, Corinth/Lake Cities, Little Elm police and fire departments
about mentoring
o Present to Superintendent’s Cabinet and/or focus on meeting with ASAP’s, HR,
C&I to recruit mentors from administrators/central services who are no longer
teaching on campuses and may need or miss the individual student contact.
o Present the mentoring program to DISD IT and Business Office, areas
overlooked, but with employees who may want a connection to students and have
valuable skills, especially in any STEM fields
o Ask current mentors to help recruit others they know who might be good mentors
or be interested in the program
• Work with Clif to create a recruitment video
• Update the website with material in this document, including:
o Recruitment video
o Example:
▪ Columbus City Schools
• http://www.ccsoh.us/Mentorship.aspx
o Add section for needs listing out each campus. Have ability to click on the
campus name and a drop-down appears with the following information (if that’s
possible)
▪ Include dates/times if it is specific
▪ Include address and/or link to Google map location
▪ Other pertinent information (i.e. weekly, activities – are they reading to
Pre-K or are students reading to them or….?)
o Orientation
▪ July 24 – Giese 3rd Floor Conference Rooms
▪ August 28/29 – Boardroom
▪ December 17 – Boardroom
▪ January 8/14 - Boardroom
▪ Need to develop training materials (PPT, handouts)
• Have example from Pearland ISD to modify.
▪ Create the ability to sign up for the sessions and cap them, if needed
o Resources for mentors – see the ideas from
▪ http://www.ilmentoring.org/index.php/resources/resources-for-mentors
4 | P a g e
o Consider adding a section that puts the name of business or community groups
with a logo on the website for groups that have a substantial amount of employees
mentoring
▪ “Several business and community groups allow their employees one hour
of service per week to go into our schools and volunteer as mentors for our
students. Businesses make a difference in our community!”
Mentee Recruitment
● Campus administrators, counselors, and teachers may recommend students to become a
mentee, based on academic achievement, social/emotional needs, socio-economic status,
at-risk status, or parent/guardian request.
● All students who have been recommended to be a mentee will be recommended to the
campus mentor contact (i.e. typically counselor or assistant principal) to be matched with
a mentor.
● Some campuses may identify specific grade levels, needs, or criteria based on existing
mentoring programs or new programs created with the Department of Communications &
Community Relations
● All mentees must have a signed parent permission slip
Screening
Mentor Screening
● Criteria for serving as a mentor
● Becoming a Denton ISD Mentor is easy! Just commit to:
o Complete the mentor application found at
https://forms.gle/H27ou8LsZX8t2Snv8
o Complete and pass the volunteer background check found at
www.dentonisd.org/volunteer
o Attend a district mentor training
▪ See attachment.
o Sign In/Out per Campus Guidelines.
▪ Always follow the proper sign-in procedures when visiting a campus.
▪ Always wear your Mentor badge.
▪ Have your driver's license available on your first visit.
o Report Hours
▪ Make sure to report your volunteer hours on campus sign-in sheet.
o Keep all student information private and confidential
o Agree to meet with your mentee at the designated time and location each week for
the 2018-2019 academic year
o Notify the campus mentor contact whenever you are unable to make a session so
that a mentee is not left waiting for their mentor to arrive
5 | P a g e
Other Items
• Work with HR on creating special “badges” for mentors
o Would replace any “visitor or volunteer” stickers, create something a little nicer for
the mentors and would be easily identifiable by campus staff
o Would have each school’s name/logo on them, as well as the mentor’s name and
anything special (i.e. Robson Ranch Readers)
o Take badge photos during orientations
o Need to purchase lanyards for them
o Wouldn’t give them access to any secure entrances
• Quarterly newsletters with tips & resources, upcoming dates, and highlighting a mentor,
timed with the magazine and including the link for the magazine
• Work with Amy & Barb on training resources and information
• Create a smaller re-orientation session for any mentor who returns in 20-21 and future years
so they don’t have to go through the entire process again
• Consider attending the 2019 MENTOR National Mentoring Summit in January/February
in Washington, D.C., based upon costs and session topics as well as the Texas Mentoring
Summit in January in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
● Who are mentors?
Community volunteers willing to share their time and expertise with an interested
student are recruited to serve as mentors. The volunteers must complete an
application and undergo a background and reference check.
● Do I need special skills to be a mentor?
Many of our mentors have no previous teaching experience. The most effective
mentors are those who are patient, committed, and willing to listen to their
mentee. Mentoring volunteers do not need to be perfect, rich, or a superstar.
Mentors simply need to be willing to help a young person by being a consistent,
caring adult; someone who will help them problem solve, practice good
communication and introduce them to new experiences and ideas.
● What do students do with their mentors?
Students can work with their mentors on academics, focusing on homework or
assignments, or reading fluency. In addition, they can also talk about school and
life, set goals, or play strategic board and card games.
• Where does the mentorship take place?
Mentors meet their students at the schools and are directed to various areas to
meet, such as the commons area, libraries, or reading nooks in hallways.
● How long does the mentorship last or does it take a lot of time?
Some mentoring relationships last for many years, others do not. Mentors and
mentees meet each week for 30-60 minutes, with an hour being ideal. DISD staff
will work with the mentor to find the most convenient time for the meetings. The
mentorship will continue for the entire academic year, unless extenuating
circumstances arise. Most mentors develop relationships with the students and
want to see them continue to succeed. We encourage mentors to follow their
6 | P a g e
mentees to the next grade level as they progress through school. If you would like
your mentoring relationship to continue after the program has officially ended,
you (or your mentee) can speak with the program staff member about signing up
for another year commitment.
● How long does it take to be matched with a mentee?
Depending on the time of year and availability of mentees, it could anywhere
from one week to a month to be matched.
● Will mentoring cost me money?
Our mentoring programs require no monetary commitment from a mentor.
Usually gift giving is discouraged, unless it has been approved by the program
coordinator or the gift can be shared with all mentees in the program (e.g., a snack
or goodie bag at an end of year celebration).
● Does mentoring make a difference?
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society.
However, not all children get the support they need to thrive. Mentoring benefits
youth in many ways such as:
-Improving self-esteem
-Keeping young people in school
-Helping to improve academic skills
-Leading young people to resources they might not find on their own
-Providing support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions
-Increasing young people's ability to seek and keep jobs
• Who can participate as a mentee?
Students in grades Pre-K through 12th who have been recommended by teachers,
parents and principals based on academic achievement, social/emotional needs,
socio-economic status, at-risk status, or parent/guardian request.
● Are schools where mentors are needed failing?
Of the young people who need a mentor, many face challenging circumstances
such as poverty, inadequate health care, parental incarceration, or an unstable
home life. Others simply lack access to experiences and resources outside their
neighborhoods or need more encouragement and attention in school. Even those
students who do not face challenging circumstances can benefit from a caring
adult mentor - someone who says, "I believe in you." Remember that all schools
are staffed by dedicated and hard-working educators who are trying to find the
best solutions to meet the needs of their students. They welcome your support.
Timeline
June – September – Recruit Mentors at Info Sessions and Presentations
July & August – Fall 2019 Orientations
September/October – Place Mentors
November – January – Thank Your Mentor Campaign
December – Holiday Cards to Mentors and 2020 Spring Orientation
January – 2020 Spring Orientation and National Mentoring Month
March – Women’s History Month (Thanking Female Mentors)
April/May – National Volunteer Week & End of Year Recognitions
Recruitment Budget Actual
Refreshments for Info Sessions at DISD $ 300.00
Refreshments for Info Sessions at Retirement Centers $ 250.00
Printing of recruitment brochures & direct mailers $ 500.00
Mailing for direct mailers $ 250.00
Ad for Denton Record-Chronicle - TBD
Ad for 380 Guide/380 News - TBD
Ad in Denton Senior Citizen Center - TBD
Total Recruitment Expenses $ 1,300.00 $0.00
Orientation/Training Budget Actual
Lanyards for Mentors $ 720.00
Cost of printing badges - TBD
Printing of handouts $ 500.00
Refreshments for training $ 500.00
Total Orientation/Training Expenses $ 1,720.00 $0.00
Events Budget Actual
Holiday cards for students to sign $ 250.00
National Mentoring Month cards $ 250.00
National Mentoring Month ad
Recognition Event - Printing $ 300.00
Recognition Event - Food $ 1,000.00
Total Expenses $ 1,800.00 $0.00
Conferences Budget Actual
2020 National Mentoring Summit Registration $ 200.00
Hotel - Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown $ 1,000.00
Airfare $ 400.00
Per Diem $ 300.00
2020 Texas Mentoring Summit Registration $ 150.00
Hotel $ 125.00
Mileage $ 350.00
Per Diem $ 125.00
Total Mentor Summit Expenses $ 1,900.00 $0.00
Total 19-20 Mentor Denton ISD Budget $ 4,820.00 $0.00
2019-2020 Mentor Denton ISD Budget
1307 N. Locust St. • Denton, TX 76201 • Telephone: (940) 369-0146 • FAX: (940) 369-4982
www.dentonisd.org
Community Engagement Specialist Update
4/15/19
Empowering lifelong learners to be engaged citizens who positively impact their local and global community.
• Highlights for 2018-2019
o Five new mentoring programs were started this year at Blanton, E.P. Rayzor, N. Rayzor
and Savannah Elementary Schools and at Myers Middle School.
o Nine campuses had significant increases of five or more mentors.
o 87.5 percent increase in total mentors from last year.
o 812 new mentees were matched with a mentor.
• Goals for 2019-2020:
o Implement a formal training program across the district for mentors.
o Continue working with the City’s Volunteer Impact Program to place more mentors.
o Continue to increase our Grandparents in Public Schools (GIPS) program by 20 new
mentors through outreach efforts in retirement communities, such as Denton Senior
Center, Robson Ranch, Good Samaritan locations, Del Webb community, Attiva
Denton, Primrose, and others.
o Grow the current programs and expand into additional Title I campuses.
Other Mentor Statistics
Spring
2016 Fall 2016 Spring
2017
Fall
2017
Spring
2018 Fall 2018
Spring 2019
(In Progress)
Youth Matched
With Mentor
79
184
242
329
580
1,141
1,141
Hours of
Mentoring
1,248
2,196
3,776
5,264
8,120
13,692
15,974
Percentage of At-
Risk Mentees
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Adkins Elementary 0 4 12 13
Alexander Elementary**3 16 5 12
Bell Elementary**0 13 126 142
Blanton Elementary 76
Borman Elementary**52 33 32
Cross Oaks Elementary**3 43
Evers Park Elementary**17 28 11 16
E.P. Rayzor Elementary 10
Davis School 1
Denton High School 80 75
Ginnings Elementary**40 106 165 300
Gonzalez School for Young
Children 0 11 4 6
Hawk Elementary 3 3
Hodge Elementary**0 2 31 17
McMath Middle School 0 8 16 7
Moore High School 15 30 25 18
Myers Middle School 37
Nelson Elementary 0 3 2 4
Notes2018-2019 Campus Spring 2016*2016-2017 2017-2018
8 are from Guyer HS PALS, 2 from AXA Advisors and a
handful of other community mentors.
Half of these are Rockin' Readers.
Bell Leadership (boys) mentoring group has 30 and Sis
Leadership (girls group) has 35 students mentoring
students, the Bobcat-Bengal Reading Program with 75
Braswell HS student athletes mentoring and working on
reading. Other mentors are Foster Grandparents, part
of our Grandparents in Public Schools Program.
26 Guyer HS PALS mentor 40 students and they have
50 Watch Dogs.
Most of these mentors come from Robson Ranch and a
couple from Rockin' Readers.
In addition to 2 mentors from CoServ, 40 5th graders
mentor kindergartners during recess. Cross Oaks has
partnered with Cross Way United Methodist Church to
form SLRP. The Summer Learning & Reading Program
with weekly reading programs and lunches in summer
and expanded in 2017 to all 5 elementary schools on
380.
These mentors are part of our Grandparents in Public
Schools Program, many of whom come from Robson
Ranch, 6 from Foster Grandparents and 1 from RSVP.
Unfortunately, one of the Robson mentors passed
away in December.
Guyer HS PALS
A pastor from Antioch Christian Fellowship
UNT English Dept. students mentor IB students and
UNT Kappa Delta Pi students mentor.
These mentors are from RSVP Rockin’ Readers and are
part of our Grandparents in Public Schools program.
Includes reader/mentors from UNT Football, a couple
of UNT sororities, First United Bank mentors.
These mentors are part of our Grandparents in Public
Schools Program.
These mentors are from RSVP Rockin’ Readers and are
part of our Grandparents in Public Schools program.
Ryan HS PALS mentors.
Paws to Read Mentors and one community mentor.
Denotes new mentoring programs for 18-19 academic year.
*Spring 2016 numbers reflect prior to the hiring of the Community Engagement Specialist.
**2018-2019 Title I Campuses
Denotes campuses with signifcant gains of five or more mentors.
Mentors in Denton ISD
UNT High School Connect sends mentors to work with
students on applications.
18 are mentors, 2 are tutoring and 17 are from Ryan HS
PALS
Newton Rayzor
Elementary**38
Paloma Creek
Elementary**0 0 1 3
Pecan Creek Elementary**3 3 6 9
Rivera Elementary**50 53 45 64
Rodriguez Middle School 2 10
Savannah Elementary 3
Sparks Campus 0 0 2 4
Stephens Elementary**0 0 1 31
Wilson Elementary**2 83
Windle School for Young
Children 5 5 5 7
WS Ryan Elementary**0 3 25 24
Total 135 334 580 1,088
**2018-2019 Title I Campuses
Several come from First Baptist Church and Ryan HS
PALS
These mentors are from Foster Grandparents and are
part of our Grandparents in Public Schools Program.
Denotes campuses with signifcant gains of five or more mentors.
Denotes new mentoring programs for 18-19 academic year.
A handful of teachers mentor students and several of
these mentors are 8th graders at Myers Middle School.
32 staff mentor students, 4 are community mentors
and 46 come from Ryan HS STUCO
Most of these mentors are from Robson Ranch and
These mentors are from Foster Grandparents and are
part of our Grandparents in Public Schools Program.
*Spring 2016 numbers reflect prior to the hiring of the Community Engagement Specialist.
These mentors are from RSVP Rockin’ Readers, a local
church, and CoServ.
Mentors come from First United Methodist Church,
Morse St. Baptist Church, CIS mentors, Foods 4 Kids
volunteers, Foster Grandparents and Ryan HS PALS
Several are from UNT High School Connect.
These mentors are from Rockin' Readers and are part
of our Grandparents in Public Schools program.
These mentors are Foster Grandparents and are part of
our Grandparents in Public Schools Program.
HOW IS MENTORING DIFFERENT THAN VOLUNTEERING?
The Mentor Denton ISD program is for any person
who is willing to provide a child with support, friend-
ship and a constructive example through one-on-
one meetings each week. Our volunteer program is
focused on providing volunteers for events, such as
Read Across America or Career Days, as well as for
large group or classroom support.
LET’S GET STARTED!
Visit www.dentonisd.org/mentor to
complete the online application.
Email Courtney Martin at
cmartin@dentonisd.org
Or call 940-369-0146 for
more information.
DO I NEED SPECIAL SKILLS TO BE A MENTOR?
Many of our mentors have no previous teaching experience. The most effective mentors are
those who are patient, committed, and willing to listen to their mentee. Mentoring volunteers
do not need to be perfect, rich, or a superstar. Mentors simply need to be willing to help a
young person by being a consistent, caring adult; someone who will help them problem solve,
practice good communication and introduce them to new experiences and ideas.
WHAT DO STUDENTS DO WITH THEIR MENTORS?
Students can work with their mentors on academics, focusing on homework or assignments,
or reading fluency. In addition, they can also talk about school and life, set goals, or play
strategic board and card games.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE AS A MENTEE?
Students in grades Pre-K through 12th who have been recommended by teachers, parents
and principals based on academic achievement, social/emotional needs, socio-economic sta-
tus, at-risk status, or parent/guardian request.
HOW CAN I BECOME A MENTOR?
Becoming a Denton ISD Mentor is easy! Just commit to:
• Complete the mentor application
• Complete and pass the volunteer
background check
• Attend a district mentor training
• Report your mentor hours
• Keep all student information private and
confidential
• Meet with your mentee at the designated time
and location each week for the 2018-2019
academic year
• Notify the campus mentor contact whenever you
are unable to make a session so that a mentee is
not left waiting for their mentor to arrive
WHERE ARE MENTORS NEEDED?
Mentors are needed all 41 of Denton ISD’s schools. We
will work with you to place you at a location that is con-
venient for you in terms of geographic location, as well
as to find the perfect mentee match based on grade
level and area of need (i.e. reading, academics, social/
emotional).
Mentoring with
Denton ISD
Become a mentor.Help strengthen our community.
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to
society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive.
Mentoring happens when caring individuals provide young people
with support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive
examples. Mentoring can and does help young people succeed,
no matter what their circumstances! At its most basic level, mentoring
helps because it lets young people know that they have others who
care about them, and who will listen to their dreams and help them
achieve their goals.
www.dentonisd.org/mentor/GIPS/AAS/volunteer
HOW CAN I BECOME A MENTOR?
Becoming a Denton ISD Mentor is easy! Just commit to:
• Complete the mentor application
• Complete and pass the volunteer
background check
• Attend a district mentor training
• Report your mentor hours
• Keep all student information private and
confidential
• Meet with your mentee at the designated time
and location each week for the 2019-2020
academic year
• Notify the campus mentor contact whenever you
are unable to make a session so that a mentee is
not left waiting for their mentor to arrive
WHERE ARE MENTORS NEEDED?
Mentors are needed at all 42 of Denton ISD’s schools. We will work
with you to place you at a location that is convenient for you in terms
of geographic location, as well as to find the perfect mentee match
based on grade level and area of need (i.e. reading, academics,
social/emotional).
LET’S GET STARTED!
Visit www.dentonisd.org/mentor to complete
the online application.
Email Courtney Martin at
cmartin@dentonisd.org
or call 940-369-0146 for
more information.
Content
DO I NEED SPECIAL SKILLS TO BE A MENTOR?
Many of our mentors have no previous teaching experience. The
most effective mentors are those who are patient, committed, and
willing to listen to their mentee. Mentoring volunteers do not need
to be perfect, rich, or a superstar. Mentors simply need to be willing
to help a young person by being a consistent, caring adult; someone
who will help them problem solve, practice good communication and
introduce them to new experiences and ideas.
WHAT DO STUDENTS DO WITH THEIR MENTORS?
Students can work with their mentors on academics, focusing on
homework or assignments, or reading fluency. In addition, they can
also talk about school and life, set goals, or play strategic board and
card games.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE AS A MENTEE?
Students in grades Pre-K through 12th who have been recommended
by teachers, parents and principals based on academic achievement,
social/emotional needs, socio-economic status, at-risk status, or
parent/guardian request.
Become a mentor.Help strengthen our community.
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to
society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive.
Mentoring happens when caring individuals provide young people
with support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive
examples. Mentoring can and does help young people succeed,
no matter what their circumstances! At its most basic level, mentoring
helps because it lets young people know that they have others who
care about them, and who will listen to their dreams and help them
achieve their goals.
How is mentoring different than volunteering?
The Mentor Denton ISD program is for any person who is willing to
provide a child with support, friendship and a constructive example
through one-on-one meetings each week. Our volunteer program
is focused on providing volunteers for events, such as Read Across
America or Career Days, as well as for large group or classroom
support.
WHO ARE MENTORS?
Community volunteers willing to share their time and expertise with an
interested student are recruited to serve as mentors. The volunteers
must complete an application and undergo a background and reference
check. Some mentoring relationships last for many years, others do
not. Mentors and mentees meet each week for 30-60 minutes, with
an hour being ideal. DISD staff will work with the mentor to find the
most convenient time for the meetings. The mentorship will continue
for the entire academic year, unless extenuating circumstances arise.
Most mentors develop relationships with the students and want to
see them continue to succeed. We encourage mentors to follow their
mentees to the next grade level as they progress through school.
DOES MENTORING MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to
society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive.
Mentoring benefits youth in many ways such as:
• Improving self-esteem
• Keeping young people in school
• Helping to improve academic skills
• Leading young people to resources they might not find on their own
• Providing support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions
• Increasing young people’s ability to seek and keep jobsP