Hello from the Mentor Center!
Updates for October 2022
From Ms. Robin's Desk
When I asked a group of students recently if they could name the three objectives of the Mentor Center, they were pretty spot-on.
"Help us with our homework?" Yes, academic support!
"Give us someone to talk to?" Yes, mental health!"
And then they were stumped for a bit. "Feed us?" Not one of the three core objectives, but very much a commitment. "Keep us out of trouble?" Again, a good secondary outcome. "Give us something to do?" Exactly, enrichment opportunities!
We love to see how these three objectives support each other. A student gets excited participating in our enrichment programming, and we see the boost to their well-being. A student develops good self care practices through our social emotional learning programming, and their grades climb as a result. And a student who aces a test is proud to report in to their Mentors after school, feeling more engaged at both school and the Mentor Center.
Mentor Center Schedule and Programming
The Mentor Center is structured to encourage academic and social-emotional success. Students are required to complete at least 30 minutes of academic work when they arrive at the Center. This can be homework, make up assignments, studying for a test, practicing a new language, writing an essay, researching a topic, goal setting with a Mentor, etc. The study room hallways of the Mentor Center are kept quiet during this time (generally 3-5:30pm).
After this requisite has been met, students move to the auditorium where they are invited to engage in social-emotional learning activities such as arts and crafts, discussion groups, and games.
There is a daily program at 5:30pm during the time designated for socializing. This program is a pre-planned group activity such as Art Class, Life Skills Topics, Cooking, GSA, or Open Gym. Along with Mentor Center staff, community partners such as the library and UND Athletics volunteer to do activities with students at this time. Students are also able to spend time with friends.
Visit our calendar for schedule and updates.
Cell Phone Policy at the Mentor Center
Following the district-wide policy of keeping phones in a secure location to limit distraction during educational learning, the Mentor Center requires students to keep their phones in a secure cabinet during academic hours.
We have Study Time between 3:00 and 5:30, during which students are expected to work on academics. Phones are returned to the students at 5:30pm.
If you need to reach your student during this time, please call the Mentor Center at (701) 215-5484. Students are also able to use the office phone to call you.
Behavior Expectations
Students that visit the Mentor Center have had discussions with Mentors about our Code of Conduct. Each student must understand the necessity of behaving in ways that are respectful, responsible and safe when at the Mentor Center. After students are given the opportunity to have questions answered, they are asked to sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement, indicating that they will have good citizenship standards while here, much like they do at school.
We will also be reaching out to parents in the coming weeks to learn more about their expectations of their students' time at the Mentor Center.
Students are familiar with the Above/Below the Line graphic above. A similar flyer has been in every school since they have been in Grand Forks Public Schools. These will hang in the Mentor Center as well as a reminder of our behavior expectations.
Early Dismissals and Special Update for October 5th
Here is the list of upcoming early release Wednesdays for the 2022-23 year.
Typically, the Mentor Center is happy to serve students from 1:00-6:00pm on these days. We close early for staff professional development and training. However, for October 5th, there is a necessary change. We will instead be open from 3-6pm.
Busing from home will be available for students that sign up to receive a ride. The bus will begin its route to pick up students at 2:30pm. We will not be picking up from schools on October 5th. Please sign up early, as the bus list will close at noon or when it fills, whichever comes first.
We should be able to resume our regular early out hours and busing schedule in November. Follow us on social media for updates.
We are thankful for our community partnerships!
Reach out with questions!
Email: mentorcenter@mygfschools.org
Website: https://www.gfschools.org/domain/1686
Location: 725 Hamline Street, Grand Forks, ND, USA
Phone: (701) 215-5484
Facebook: facebook.com/gfmentorcenter
Twitter: @gfmentorcenter