News Release

Mentors Make a Difference

Posted: January 6, 2012

National Mentoring Month is a campaign held each January to promote youth mentoring in the United States.

Midlothian High School is fortunate to have mentoring programs that positively impact student success. PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership) and Partners in P.E. both involve 60 student leaders mentoring 285 students. The PALS travel to all MISD campuses and spend one-on-one time with their buddy.

“If mentors expect immediate results, then they are doing it for the wrong reason.”
~ Dr. Eric Cup

For the past three years, adults have had an opportunity to mentor high school students through the Movement Towards a Future mentoring program that encourages action, hope and a future for 155 at-risk students who have been partnered with an adult community mentor.

According to director Dena Petty, students are identified by campus personnel, counselors and student peers for a variety of reasons and must have a signed parental approval form on file. Once matched, the mentor and student meet on campus during the normal schools hours.

What is the difference between a volunteer and a mentor? A volunteer assists with teacher support, programs and special events. A mentor, on the other hand, has a direct relationship with a student by building trust and modeling positive behaviors. Research proves the effects of human bonding and nurturing with young people and the tragic effects of what happens without it. Every child needs a caring, responsible adult in his/her life.

Mentoring can also be a challenging effort.

“If mentors expect immediate results, then they are doing it for the wrong reason,” said Dr. Eric Cupp, who counsels at-risk students at both Midlothian middle schools and Midlothian High School.

Mrs. Petty ensures her mentors that the students are listening, they do care and they appreciate the adults who are taking ACTION to improve their lives, planting seeds of HOPE, and helping them pave the way towards their FUTURE.

The Movement Towards a Future will soon receive a non-profit 501(c)(3) status, which will allow them to apply for additional funding to expand the mission to help more students.

To learn more about the program, contact Dena Petty at 972-775-3417.

© 2012 - Midlothian Independent School District
L.A. Mills Administration • 100 Walter Stephenson Rd. • Midlothian, TX 76065 • 972-775-8296 • F: 972-775-1757

Midlothian High School: 972-775-8237 • Frank Seale Middle School: 972-775-6145 • Walnut Grove Middle School: 972-775-5355

J.A. Vitovsky Elementary: 972-775-5536 • J.R. Irvin Elementary: 972-775-8239 • LaRue Miller Elementary: 972-775-4497

Longbranch Elementary: 972-775-2830 • Mt. Peak Elementary: 972-775-2881 • T.E. Baxter Elementary: 972-775-8281