In hopes of increasing the freshman achievement and the overall quality of Southfield High School, the school has launched a new mentoring program for freshmen.
Under the program, model senior students will pair up with freshman homebase classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The selected seniors had to be successful students who are also involved in extracurricular activities.
Senior Leader Shannon Merritt, who is a saxophone player in the school band, says, “I think it’s a good opportunity for the freshmen.” She says the program allows underclassmen to get to know seniors who can encourage them to try harder in their classes and join more school activities.
Freshman Devin Ellis says, “I think it’s cool. It’ll be like having another big brother.”
“I am so excited about the program,” says Assistant Principal Rita Teague. “The children need to hear certain things from those who came before them.”
The mentors attended two training sessions to reinforce professionalism and confidentiality between mentee and mentor. The sessions were designed to help the seniors develop strategies to get to know their freshmen.
Several activities have been planned for the mentors and their mentees, including a field trip on Dec. 7 to the African American Museum in Detroit to explore the lynching exhibit.
“I expect a positive outcome from this program,” says senior mentor Jasmine Rudolph.
The 74 seniors and six juniors in the program will receive community service credit for their time spent mentoring.
The mentoring program was patterned after Stephenson High School in Illinois.