In previous years, the faculty at Chelsea High School was unsuccessful in establishing a mentoring program for the underclassmen of our school. This year, the goal of developing a mentoring program directed towards freshman was met.
What is a mentor? A mentor is a trusted guide or friend; they are caring, responsible upperclassmen, who provide access to people, places and things outside their mentee’s routine environment, but most of all a positive role model.
So when asked what the mentor programs mission was, Mrs. Gulko, the program’s supervisor said, “The mission is to have a person available to the freshman, to give them advice and assistance other than a teacher or adult so they would feel more comfortable and know more people.”
There are about 28 mentors consisting of seniors and juniors, and approximately 40- 50 freshmen have signed up, with more coming. One of the senior mentors, Naomi Williams said, “I want to teach my freshman to learn from my past experiences, such as knowing how strict the attendance policy is.” So far the mentors have recently thrown an ice cream party for the 8th graders and given them tours around the school.
Next years goal is to have the program start earlier, and with that I wish them good luck!