An
Opportunity for You to Help
The Dream Team Mentoring
Program began in 1994 as an educational partnership between interested
citizens and the SBCSC. Its mission is to help elementary students who
are experiencing academic and/or social difficulties. Mentoring means
"getting to know another individual and then acting as a support to
that person."
Mentor Dream Team for Unity Application, click here (provided in pdf format)
Who is responsible
for the program?
The Mentoring Dream Team Advisory Board sets goals, defines policy,
develops programs, establishes procedures and evaluates the
effectiveness of the program.
How are students'
needs addressed?
Each child is unique with different needs. The need for positive
self-esteem is addressed through the mentor's acceptance of the child
as a worthy human being. Children profit from the wisdom, guidance and
attention that the mentor gives to them.
Who can be a mentor?
Any adult wishing to make a positive difference in the life of a child
can be a mentor. Mentors will be asked to volunteer one (1) hour per
week. For the safety and protection of all children, a completed
application form must be submitted to the advisory board giving
permission for criminal investigation. The acceptance of mentors will
depend on information revealed by the criminal investigation and is at
the discretion of the advisory board.
Does a mentor
receive any training before meeting with his/her child?
Yes! Potential mentors will be required to attend a one (1) hour
training session provided by Mr. William Przybysz, former principal of
Adams High School. Bill will give tips to help make the mentoring
experience enjoyable for both the mentor and the student.
What topics are
covered by the mentor training session?
Each mentor will receive a booklet detailing the "do's and don't's" of
mentoring. Activities and ideas for motivating and helping students are
clearly written to help mentors. The training session will focus on
guidelines, model activities and help to put the mentors at ease.
How are mentors and
students matched?
Both mentors and students will complete an interest survey that will be
used to "match" the partnership. Hobbies, interests, background, gender
and language spoken will be considered when matching a student to a
mentor.
Where does the
mentoring take place?
All mentoring sessions will be located at the student's school during
the day. Mentors are asked not to meet with students at other times
and/or other places.
What if a mentor is
unable to meet the scheduled session?
If the mentor cannot attend the session, he/she is asked to either make
arrangements ahead of time or call the school and ask that the student
be informed.
Where is more
information available?
For an application form and more information, call Naomi Adams,
student support program coordinator, at 283-8044; or write to them
at South Bend Community School Corporation, 215 South St. Joseph
Street, South Bend, IN 46601.