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What is Project Connect?
New Horizon’s Project Connect is a school-based mentoring program,
designed to match caring community members with students, in 4th through 8th
grade, who could benefit from a mentoring match. Project Connect is a
collaborative effort between Des Moines Public Schools, Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Central Iowa, and the Des Moines Area Religious Council.
What are the goals of the program?
Research has clearly established that one caring adult in a student’s
life can make all of the difference. Both the student and the mentor
experience positive growth. Key outcomes for the program are: increased
academic performance; increased enthusiasm for learning and school
bonding; improved attendance and social behavior; and opportunities for
caring relationships with well trained mentors. Additionally, the program
offers mentoring activities during the school day, after school, and
throughout the summer.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a community volunteer who will work one-on-one with a
student and help them to develop to his or her potential. Someone who is…
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a positive role model
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caring
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dependable
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understanding
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a good listener
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patient
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trustworthy
What kinds of activities will we participate in?
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Read
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Homework
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Share a hobby
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Eat lunch together
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Talk
How much time must I commit?
There are two levels of the Project Connect Mentors, the
school-based mentor and the school/community-based mentor. The
school-based mentor meets a minimum of one hour a week with the student at
school. The school/community-based mentor meets with the student a
minimum of four hours per week with the student at school and in the
community. A twelve month commitment is requested.
Participating schools for Project Connect are:
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Longfellow Elementary School
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Lovejoy Elementary School
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Meredith Middle School
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Monroe Elementary School
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Wallace Elementary School
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Callanan Middle School
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Hiatt Middle School
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Weeks Middle School
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Willard Elementary School
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Holy Family (K-8)
How do I become a Mentor?
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Fill out a volunteer application
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Participate in a mentor interview
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Consent to the checking of references; and child abuse,
driving record, and criminal background checks
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Participate in a training session
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Attend a School Orientation
Mentors will receive ongoing support and training.
For more information contact:
Des Moines Public Schools,
New Horizon/SUCCESS
Barbara Anderson,
Project Connect Mentoring Coordinator,
New Horizons/Learning Supports
1001 Amos Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315-6544
515.242.7890
E-mail: barbara.anderson@dmps.k12.ia.us
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