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A new mentoring program for middle school students at Pipestone Area Schools (PAS) is expected to begin early in the new year.
Middle and High School Principal Sonja Ortman said during the Dec. 15 School Board meeting that the program will involve pairing trusted adult mentors with at risk students. She defined at risk as “students who definitely could benefit from another adult who is caring and can build a relationship with them.”
Ortman said she headed up a similar program in a previous school district she worked in and found, over the course of two years of data collection, that there was an increase in attendance on the days students met with their mentor.
“They hardly ever missed,” she said.
Ortman said the mentors usually meet with the students over their lunch period because it’s less awkward when they have something to do. Eventually, as they get to know each other, she said, they might play games or tell stories, and the mentor might even bring the student a gift occasionally.
“The commitment is intentionally designed to be manageable while still meaningful,” Ortman wrote in a letter she sent out to parents later in the week. “By spending just 30 minutes a week (starting in late January), mentors help students build confidence, develop social skills, and feel supported by the adults around them. Often, students benefit most from having someone who listens, encourages, and shows up consistently.”
No special training or background is required to become a mentor. All mentors will complete a background check and receive guidance from school staff to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
Students will be identified for participation in the program based on teacher recommendations. Ortman said a list of students who could benefit from the program has already been started.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about the program can contact Ortman at Sonja.Ortman@pas.k12.mn.us. She said at the School Board meeting that two adults had already expressed interest.