Caroline County Public Schools TA Spotlight

When Caroline County Public Schools noticed that their students were having difficulties with truancy, self-esteem,  social skills, conflict with other peers and staff, and  grades, they decided to create a mentoring program. In June of 2022, a committee comprised of five representatives from each school in the Caroline County Public School System began developing their mentor program and creating a handbook. During the summer, the Division Coordinator began promoting the program to recruit mentors.  After school returned in August, school Coordinators also recruited mentors and identified potential mentees.  In October, mentors were trained, and the background check process was underway, with their kickoff event occurring in December.  Mentors and mentees met twice per month for 45-60 minutes each time.  The meetings occurred during the school day at a location within each school, where mentors and mentees engaged in various activities tailored to each student’s specific needs and interests.  A closing ceremony was held at the end of April, celebrating a highly successful inaugural year for CCPS’ Mentor Program.  Meetings still occurred until school ended in May, and if a student attended summer school, mentors could meet with them during summer school hours.

CCPS wanted this mentoring program to assist students in need, increase their connection to school, and improve their school experience. Jeff Wick, the Coordinator of Safety and Compliance Officer, then decided to apply for TA (Technical Assistance).  After applying for TA, their request was then assigned to their TA Provider, Allyson Roberts, through MENTOR Virginia.

“Our TA experience was vital to CCPS developing a vigorous program that provided quality mentor-mentee relationships.”  

Allyson and Jeff met monthly through phone calls, around an hour each, and Jeff would then relay the information he received. However, Allyson also provided individual and group TA to the other five school coordinators. Additionally, CCPS also had most of their mentors trained, in-person and virtually, by MENTOR Virginia. 

Thanks to the support of TA, CCPS was able achieve the following:

• Developed a Detailed Mentor Handbook
• Created a Program Mangual
• Established Policies around Recruiting, Screening, Matching, Support, Recognition, Closure, and started developing Evaluation
• Provided Training for Mentors
• Created Interest Inventories for both Mentors and Mentees
• Documented Mentor-Mentee Meetings
• Received Feedback from Mentors and Mentees
• Acquired a Variety of Resources
• Held a Year-End Celebration

Since TA has concluded, Jeff has conveyed, “Allyson’s input and guidance were invaluable to the success of our program, and I am very thankful for the knowledge and support she graciously provided, going above and beyond to help CCPS develop a successful program.”

This year, CCPS looks forward to kicking off the program in late September.  All but one mentor is returning, and they have recruited several new mentors. The CCPS team is confident that this year will also be successful.