Although the concept of mentoring dates back to the Greeks, it has only been within the last decade that schools have discovered the value of mentoring in fostering student success. District 200's Mentor Program began as a six-week pilot in the spring of 1994. The results were so impressive that the program has been established on a permanent basis in all of the district's schools. The purpose of the District 200 Mentor program is to encourage students to be successful in their education and to help them develop to their fullest potential. The program serves students in grades 1-10.
Participation is based on staff and parent referrals.
Mentors are matched with students based on their mutual interests and preferences. Parental permission is required in order for students to participate in the program. A staff member from each school serves as a building coordinator and acts as the liaison between the mentor, mentee, teacher and parent. Mentors meet with their mentees for approximately one hour a week for a minimum of eighteen weeks. Occasional off-campus trips are allowed with teacher and parent permission.