What is a Mentor?
A good definition is simply a listening, caring friend. A mentor is usually an adult who will provide support, counsel, friendship, and reinforcement. They are good listeners, people who care, people who want to help young people bring out strengths that are already there. They usually become a wise and trusted friend.

A Mentor is NOT: a parent, a hero or a nag.

Why are students selected to have a mentor?
They may have been referred by a teacher or a guidance counselor. Possibly there was a request from a parent. However, where the referral originated is of least importance. If a student is fortunate enough to have a mentor assigned, he/she should have fairly regular attendance at school, show potential, and have not exhibited unacceptable behavior.

What do mentors do with kids?
Primarily, they LISTEN. A great deal of your time together will be spent sharing thoughts, ideas and your concerns. However, sometimes you may share an interest or hobby, explore the internet, set goals together or do one of many other possibilities.

What is my role as a mentor?
Your role is to follow the Expectations of the Program. It is also suggested that you keep in mind the Relationship Reminders also listed below.

Can a student have more than one mentor?
Usually mentors are in short supply and most students have only one assigned. Occasionally, because of their job requirements, two people who work together may wish to alternately mentor a student.

Are students expected to share personal information with their mentor?
Trust is a large part of the mentoring relationship. Therefore, mentors are required to maintain confidentiality. However, if a student indicates that he/she, or someone else, may be in danger, mentors are encouraged to notify the school administration.

What is the procedure for meeting with a mentor?
Depending on schedule, a specific time will be set for students to meet with their mentor. A pass will be sent for students to leave class and a specific meeting place will be designated.

How often will a student meet with a mentor?
Usually, a mentor and student will meet for no longer than one hour a week. However, how often students meet with their mentors may be determined by need. Sometimes a mentor and student will meet less frequently, every other week or only once a month.

What if needs change?
If needs change, the mentor or student may make an appointment with the Community Involvement manager/assistant or Guidance Counselor at the school to discuss the new situation.

Where do I go if I have questions or concerns about our relationship?
If you have questions, at any time during the relationship, you may make an appointment with the Community Involvement manager/assistant or Guidance Counselor at your school to have your questions answered.

How will you know if the mentor/student relationship is working?
We will be using feedback forms, surveys and simply asking each of you to express your thoughts and feelings to us.

How long of a commitment is required?
A mentor relationship is encouraged to be for an entire school year. However, due to a mentor?s job requirements, sometimes it may be for only one semester. Occasionally, a mentor, such as a DOORWAYS mentor, will choose to follow their original student through their years in Pinellas County Schools.

Expectations of the Program:

• Meet only on school grounds, during school hours.
• Be on time. Respecting your mentor's time is important.
• Always bring pen and paper and any required or requested materials.
• Be respectful, no bad language.
• Each person in the relationship will practice cultural/heritage sensitivity.
• Say Thank you! often.

RELATIONSHIP REMINDERS
Here are some reminders about how to put your best foot forward in your mentor/student relationship.

ATTITUDE:

• Be willing and eager to talk; be willing and eager to listen.
• Be honest.
• Psych yourself up for the discussion. When you act enthusiastic and positive, you actually begin to feel good.
• Look at the mentor when speaking to him or her.

CONVERSATION:

• Greet each other by name.
• Don't be nervous because of pauses in the conversation. They are natural. It is okay to have a moment of silence so you can think!
• Avoid one-word answers. Try to hold up your end of the conversation.
• Just be yourself!
• End each session by saying, Thank you.