SYRACUSE - Members of the Wawasee Middle School Mentoring Program provided an overview and presentation of their work to Wawasee School Board members Tuesday.

Marsha Streby was first to address the board. "I love the mentoring program," she said. "I believe in mentoring, and know that it has made a big difference in my life. I love to witness the change in kids' lives at the middle school. Our presentation tonight includes a discussion of the evaluation data that you were given, and an overview."

Streby introduced Ruth Case, who compiled the data presented to the board. The information she provided included a comparison of the goals set forth in the original grant proposal with actual results. The first year goal was for 30 mentors, but 35 were recruited. The second year goal was 15, with 20 actually being available. Overall, 120 individuals expressed interest in being a mentor.

Case said there was a 75 percent sustained match rate between students and mentors in the program. The grade point average of mentored students showed marked improvement when compared to a control group of non-mentored students.

Mentored students also had less suspensions, and performed better in the Social Skills Rating System. This is a system used to rate how students work in social situations, and it is monitored throughout the year. Students meet with their mentors once a week during the school year (excluding holidays) on school property.

Katie Jones, a mentoring program specialist, addressed the board to express her thanks for their support. "We have an office in the school, and it really helps," she said. "My responsibility is to meet with and supervise the mentors. I can talk with the mentors and the students regularly. It allows me access to their grades, their attendance, their schedules, and everything like that. I just wanted to thank the board for allowing us to have an office because I feel it is one of the most necessary pieces of the mentoring program. Thank you."

Pam Reed, who is a mentor, introduced student Chelsea Shepherd. Both were present for the purpose of expressing what the program means to them.

"What is a mentor?" Reed began. "The concept was pioneered by Dr. Susan Wienburger in the 1980s. Her definition is: 'A structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at development resulting in confidence and character.' The program requires patience; it is slow going and a growing process."

Shepherd, who is mentored by Reed, shared with the board the impact the program has had on her. "It's helped me learn to talk to people outside of my family, and my own age group," she said.Ê

Rick Prins, president of the mentoring program, addressed the school board regarding the idea of the program to become financially self-sustaining eventually. "Our goal and aspiration is to have this program continue for the next 15 to 20 years," he said. "The growth is out there. We have a little bit happening at the high school now, and that's a little ahead of schedule, but that's a good thing. Mentor recruitment is an area we also need to focus on."

Prins summarized plans for financial growth so that the program can grow without grant support. The current grant will run out Sept. 30, 2007.

In closing the presentation, Streby said, "All of us feel very optimistic that we're going to be able to garner enough support to continue."

In financial actions taken by the board, the 2007 budget was approved, with the general fund for 2007 being $21,981,441. Bus replacement plan and Capital Projects plans also were approved. Approval was granted for a tax neutrality resolution, which is the financial instrument used for debt servicing. Claims for North Webster Elementary remodeling in the amount of $142,612.49 were approved.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Stock discussed the size of classes in the district. Second-grade class sizes in particular range from 24 to 26 students. "We try to keep an eye on class size," he said. "Our average daily membership count day is this Friday. We do have a number of classes that are above the numbers we like to see. After the count is official, I'll get with the principals to see what we can do."

He went on to discuss a state program called Prime Time, which is aimed at reducing class sizes. It is primarily a formula within a district's budget, although the actual dollar amount has not changed for some time.

In district employment, the board approved the hiring of the following individuals: Delores Radford, prime time paraprofessional, Milford School; Janell Cook, three-hour per-day prime time paraprofessional, Milford; Heather Clevenger, temporary ESL paraprofessional, Wawasee Middle School; Pamela Nickels, temporary clerical paraprofessional; Nicole Radford, three-hour per-day special education paraprofessional, WMS.

The following were hired as temporary Title 1/Reading Recovery paraprofessionals: Stacy Carter, Karen Sproul, Heather Helton, Susan Hoessig, Janell Cook, Katie Guillot, Erin Smith, Merry Griner.Ê

Wawasee School Board members are: Dallas Winchester, president; Mary Lou Dixon, vice president; Marion Acton, secretary; Brian Dawes; and George Gilbert. [[In-content Ad]]