Shelburne Community School

SCS
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What exactly is mentoring?

The word “Mentor” comes from the Greek word, mentors, which means “steadfast and enduring.”  Today, we define mentoring as a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentees. 

Why is mentoring important?

Research from across the country tells us that mentoring gives young people building blocks they need to help them avoid risky behaviors and become healthy, successful adults. From just one hour a week mentees show improved academic performance, better attendance, better communication skills, more positive attitude and better peer and family relationships. 

What are the qualifications to become a mentor?

Mentors are adults, 21 years of age or older, available during school hours, with their own transportation. They are caring, patient and good listeners who are non-judgmental.   Mentors respect alternative life styles, communicate on a level a child can understand and can nurture a relationship that respects the mentee's dignity.  Because children come to trust in their mentors, reliability and consistency are essential.  Because mentors are expected to be positive role models, good judgment and work ethic are important.  Above all, children will sense the commitment a mentor brings to the relationship.

All volunteers, including mentors, at the Shelburne Community School must be fingerprinted at the Shelburne Police Department and have an FBI background check conducted before their first meeting with their mentee.

Is training and support available to mentors?

Absolutely! 

Each of our mentor programs has training specific to that program that is usually held in late September or October of the new school year. However, mentors that start in the middle of the year will be able to obtain one-on-one training with the Mentor Coordinator.  Each Mentor receives a handbook specific to his or her program to keep for future reference.  In addition, there are several optional mentor support group meetings during the school year. And finally, the Mentor Coordinator is available on mentor days and by phone and email to answer questions and discuss concerns.  

Who is the Mentor Coordinator?

The mentor coordinator at Shelburne Community School is Georgene Grover.  She can be reached directly by phone at 383-1142 or by email at ggrover@cssu.org.  In addition, she maintains office hours from 8AM to 3PM on school days.  Her mailing address is:

Mentor Coordinator, Shelburne Community School
345 Harbor Road
Shelburne, VT 05482

Can pairs meet outside of the Shelburne Community School program?

Both Mentoring programs at SCS are school based and do not support meetings outside of the school calendar or off the school property.  Highly successful matched pairs may go on to explore Community Based mentor programs.  The SCS Mentor coordinator can help a mentor volunteer explore whether community based mentoring is the right next step for him or her.

What about summer vacation?

Neither of the SCS Mentoring programs support matched pairs meeting over the summer. Mentors in the Everybody Wins! Program may exchange letters and post cards over the summer as coordinated by the central office. 

For those mentors in the CY program, it is important for adult volunteers to prepare students for the summer hiatus by acknowledging it and bringing closure (if only temporarily) to the relationship.  The mentor coordinator can provide guidance around this important task.  Of course, mentor matches are encouraged to pick up their relationship again in the fall when school starts. 

What if a mentor can't make it to a meeting one week?

Consistency is important in a mentor/mentee relationship, but we understand that our mentors lead busy lives and occasionally must miss meetings.  Letting the student and the mentor coordinator know ahead of time when possible is respectful and helps young people learn to trust in the relationship.  Of course, things do come up unexpectedly.  In such cases a message sent by phone, email or FAX to the mentor coordinator can be passed on to the student. 

How can I participate in a Mentor Program?

The primary need is for adults who are willing to meet once a week and develop a trusting relationship with a child. However, monetary donations to the programs are always welcome.  They are used to fund books, pizza parties, guest speakers or craft supplies.