West Hartford Public Schools in Need of Mentors

Who mentored you? Pass it on. Then, honor those who encouraged you and took an interest in helping you become successful. Become a mentor and continue the legacy.

To be a mentor, you don't need special skills, just a willingness to listen and to offer friendship, guidance and encouragement to a young person. And you'll be amazed by how much you'll get out of the experience. When you serve as a mentor, you enrich your own life as much as you do the life of a young person.

Today, West Hartford Public Schools have more mentees than mentors. Students are on a waiting list. With the town's ever-changing community, the demand for new mentors, an even greater need for male role models, and the need for more businesses to become partners in education is increasing.

To help close the gap, the West Hartford Public Schools will hold a new mentor workshop on March 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Conard High School, 110 Beechwood Road, Room 169. Any business or community member who has an interest in being a positive role model in the life of a young person is encouraged to attend.

Dr. Susan G. Weinberger, founder and President of Mentor Consulting Group (MCG) and an international consultant on mentoring, will facilitate the workshop. She has been recognized for her expertise in establishing, maintaining and evaluating school and community-based mentor programs and has conducted trainings around the country.

The evening will prepare individuals to effectively mentor students grades K-12 in the West Hartford Public Schools. Once trained, adults meet with their mentees at the child's school once a week for approximately one hour, depending on the student's schedule. Sessions can include talking, reading, playing games, making craft projects, researching careers and most importantly, serving as a role model through sharing and listening.

The mission of the West Hartford Public Schools Mentor Program is to allow students the opportunity to reach their potential by offering guidance, encouragement and support through partnerships with caring adults. If you would like more information about mentoring or to sign up for the March 12 new mentor workshop, please call or email Carol Wilkas, Career Pathways Coordinator at 860-231-6009 or carol_wilkas@whps.org.

Submitted by West Hartford Public Schools