For struggling school students at Manchester Township High School, help and support come from a nearby source: Namely, other students.
Students entering ninth grade who failed multiple academic classes in eighth grade, as well as rising sophomores who failed two or more classes during their freshman year, are identified as being at-risk of not earning credits. Before they stray too far off track, these students are paired up with peer mentors for help.
Peer mentors are high school seniors who have demonstrated academic and leadership qualities. They are matched with struggling students, after which they meet with the students to discuss concerns and set goals. During the school year, the pairs meet once a week and communicate regularly, with the mentors sharing positive words of encouragement. Volunteer teachers are also involved, serving as team leaders who help facilitate and monitor the peer mentoring.
Parents are kept abreast of their children’s participation and goals, and each marking period, administrators review grades, attendance and any other concerns. The bottom line is, students are helping students.
Information
Contact: Dennis Adams, Manchester High School principal, [email protected]
Submitted by school district, January 28, 2015