Windsor Public Schools Mentoring Program Encourages Participation And Seeks New Volunteers

As another school year gets underway, it is met with enthusiasm and excitement for a new beginning filled with endless opportunities, new learning and reconnecting with friends. It also holds a renewed commitment for a core group of volunteers – the Windsor Public Schools (WPS) Mentoring Group. These volunteers generously give up to an hour once a week to mentor a student in one of the elementary schools throughout the Windsor school district. The WPS mentoring group is hoping to increase participation in the new school year by encouraging the public to get involved and volunteer a small amount of time to make a significant impact in a child’s life.

“We have a dedicated group of mentors in the Windsor Public Schools, but need more volunteers who can give as little as a half-hour a week to make a positive difference in the life of a child,” explains Maureen Bilotta Coordinator of the Windsor Public Schools Mentoring Program. “There is always a need for a caring adult in a child’s life and it takes very little to be an effective mentor. A mentor needs to be willing to play games or pursue other mutual interests and most importantly be there to listen to the student. Mentors don’t need to advise or counsel,” added Bilotta. “Your regular presence and willingness to listen tells a student you care.”

Windsor Public Schools personnel identify the students who they feel would benefit from having a mentor. Students are selected to participate in the mentoring program for many reasons, such as shyness, a need to develop social skills, or simply the need for additional attention and encouragement.

Mentors are trained by the school district in a single, one-hour training session. The new mentor training session will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at L.P. Wilson Community Center on 601 Matianuck Avenue in Windsor.

“Mentoring is not just a feel-good strategy, it has proven results for children,” says Mike Greenwood, former Coordinator of the Windsor Public Schools Mentoring Program. “Young people who have a mentor are more likely to stay in school and go on to college, raise their life aspirations, stay away from drugs, and avoid fights and other violent behavior. “Mentoring also benefits the adult,” Greenwood adds. “A mentor is more likely to increase his or her appreciation for diversity, feel more productive, develop core leadership skills, and just feel good for having positively influenced another life.”

To sign up for the Mentor Training session taking place September 24 or to learn more about mentoring opportunities with elementary aged-students, please contact Maureen Bilotta at (860) 687-2000, ext. 232 or mbilotta@windsorct.org.

For additional information about the WPS Mentoring Program or to find an application to get involved, please visit:

http://www.windsorct.org/section/7252ff92-8902-43dd-b099-d2beab517b9e