BECOME A MENTOR...SUPPORT THE SUCCESS OF A STUDENT

The goal of Connecting Generations in America's Classroom is to improve the academic performance, attendance and civic pride amongst all students who attend Prince George’s County Public Schools. Research is clear that a strong mentoring program has the potential to have a long and lasting impact on the lives of today’s youth. Connecting Generations in America's Classroom will employ Digital Network Group’s (DNG) Kinetic Potential Mentoring and Learning System (KPML).

KPML is a methodology that reverse engineers the career development process for youth living in local communities through the use of information technology. A Computer Assisted Mentoring System (CAMS) serves as a virtual pipeline for youth development by integrating multiple providers into a service coalition and accessing the services the students need when they need them most.

Should you have immediate questions, please do not hesitate to contact· Jim Smith, 301.883.8255, e-mail at jsmith@digitalnetworkgroup.net· Michael Robinson, 301.925.2535, e-mail at michael.robinson@pgcps.org

“Connecting Generations”

by:
Michael A. Robinson, Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement and Community Outreach

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden have challenged us to assist others who aspire to improve their lives. They have called upon Americans to think beyond themselves and to find ways they can help make the lives of others better. In keeping with the spirit of President Obama and Vice-President Biden, Prince George's County Public Schools is calling on the community to join its “Connecting Generations” mentoring program, by becoming a mentor. Our goal is to identify 2000 mentors from the community to support our students.

National and state statistics confirm that children who are mentored are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and peers. These same students are 52% less likely to “skip” school and 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, become pregnant, abuse drugs or become involved in criminal activity. Additionally, students who have a mentor benefit in other ways:

• Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences



• Exposure to an additional loving and caring adult



• Improved attitude regarding school and careers



• Improved in school behavior



• Willingness to accept challenges

To learn more about the "Connecting Generations" mentoring program or to sign up to become a mentor, please click on the following link http://www.kpscholars.com/become_a_mentor.php and enter your name and contact information into our mentor database.

Successful Mentoring Program at Greenbelt Elementary

by:

Michael A. Robinson, Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement and Community Outreach

Today April 6, 2009 in the metro section of the Washington Post there is an article highlighting the mentoring program at Greenbelt Elementary School. The program was developed by the school's Parent Liaison Jacob Novick and its Professional Counselor Donna Behe. The program was created in response to parent concerns. According to Mr. Novick, "we would meet with parents during the P-team discipline conferences. These conferences occurred after a suspension of a student. During the meeting it became apparent there was a need for supplmental support to our students and it seem mentoring would offer the best way to reduce issues such as attendance, behavioral and their academic progress."

Mr. Jacob also mentioned that many of the single parents expressed a need for a role model for their child. As a result of the parent's need and their own assesment, Greenbelt's P-Team led by Jacob Novic established a partnership with three student groups at the University of Maryland at the end of last year. Mr. Novick is excited that the program is making some progress and encourages others to start their own program and to read their article which includes a few tips, "This is our first full year operating and things are going well. If you get the opportunity please take a look at the article."

The article can be found at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/05/AR2009040501804.html

Prince George’s Board of Education Mentoring Program: Connecting Generations

Mentoring

The Prince George's County Board of Education is seeking nonprofit organizations and community partners to provide mentors for Prince George's County public school students. The Board of Education, in collaboration with the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Division of Student Services, is hosting the Mentor Orientation sessions.

Mentors only working with students in a supervised setting are required to have a commercial background check at a cost of $7. Anyone with unsupervised access to students must first submit to a full criminal history, fingerprint background check at a cost of $61. For more information, contact Michael Robinson at 301.925.2535. You are also welcome to complete an online mentor profile at http://www.kpscholars.com/become_a_mentor.php