The Shadow
MILLBORO – A new mentoring program at Bath County High School aims “to provide students with confidence, leadership and support to accomplish goals educationally and personally to take them down the career path they desire.”
The “Yes You Can!” mentoring initiative was outlined during the October meeting of the Bath County School Board held Tuesday evening at Millboro Elementary School.
The mentoring program was envisioned by Debbie and Peter Faraone, whose daughter, Alexa, attends Bath County High School. It meets a recommendation by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges over eight years ago which suggested that the community become more involved in career paths for BCHS students.
“I think it’s a win-win situation for Bath County High School,” said Principal Pete Pitard.
Pitard said over 20 BCHS seniors have expressed an interest in the mentoring program. Thirteen mentors have committed to helping these students seek scholarships, apply for colleges or locate employment opportunities.
“Most of the mentors are willing to take on several students,” Pitard added.
Also involved in the program are The Homestead, Bath Community Hospital and several law offices in the Bath County community.
“We decided we would try to start with the senior class,” Pitard said.
“We had over 20 students who expressed an interest.”
Mentors will provide academic support and personal development, help each student chart a plan to meet the goals established and help the student identify their strengths and areas of improvement.
The mentors will also assist in career development, provide advice on particular fields of interest and provide guidance and support while sharing their professional and educational experiences.
“We’re looking for your support to continue this program,” Peter Faraone said.
By a vote of 4-1 with Barbara Waldeck dissenting, the school board endorsed the program.
“I think it’s an excellent program,” said Waldeck, who recommended that an advisory board oversee the program and suggested background checks for prospective mentors.
“It is a great program,” added Joyce Hevener. “It’s good to have people in the community who are willing to work with our kids.”
In other business Tuesday night, the Bath County School Board:
– received an update on 2010-11 Standards of Learning accreditation.
All Bath County schools received confirmation of accreditation from the Virginia Department of Education;
– received an update on Project Graduation, an initiative that addresses the needs of high school seniors, juniors and sophomores who have not yet earned verified credits in English, math or science;
– approved a Virginia School Boards Association Code of Conduct for school board members;
– approved second reading of various VSBA policies;
– approved a list of surplus items for auction;
– approved an overnight field trip for the BCHS band to Myrtle Beach, S.C., on April 14-16, 2011;
– approved a letter of agreement between the school board and Bath County Board of Supervisors regarding a door replacement project at BCHS;
– rescheduled the November school board meeting for Monday, Nov. 8, at Valley Elementary School;
– approved revisions to the budget development calendar;
– entertained a presentation on the Tech Prep and Career Coaching programs at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College;
– presented 2010 VSBA Media Honor Roll awards to Bonnie Ralston of Allegheny Mountain Radio station WCHG, Mike Bollinger of The Recorder and Larry O’Rourke of the Virginian Review;
– presented VSBA Academy Awards to school board members Joyce Hevener (Award of Achievement), Dreama Burns (Award of Excellence) and Eddie Ryder (Award of Distinction);
– recognized October as Disability Awareness Month and National Principals Month;
– approved winter coaching appointments. They include Kirby Green, Chatalaines head coach; Laura Cooper, Chatalaines volunteer assistant;
Keith Lindsay, girls varsity basketball coach; Connie Forsyth, girls jayvee basketball coach; David Herscher, boys varsity basketball coach; Kris Phillips, boys jayvee basketball coach; and James McCombs, boys basketball volunteer assistant;
– approved a 365-day, long-term suspension with conditions;
– accepted a pupil as a non-resident student.
