A new mentoring program for English language learners at Huntington High School debuted this year. While everyone associated with it believes the initiative was successful, the true value of it will most likely become more apparent in the years to come as participants make their way toward graduation.
The mentoring program was organized by science teacher Nicole Cooper, who has been taking classes that will lead to the veteran educator obtaining state certification as a school administrator.
“As part of my administrative internship, I had to do a large project and since there is such a need to help ELL students become acclimated to an American school, I wanted to create something that could improve their experience and grades,” Ms. Cooper said. “I decided that there is no better way than having students who had already been through the struggle of becoming acquainted with our school and community and are now in a confident and comfortable position, guide these new students who just arrived in America. The ultimate goal is to help raise the graduation rate of ELL students.”
Ms. Cooper collaborated on the mentoring program with Judy Goris-Moroff, district director of world languages, English as a new language and bilingual programs. “She provided grant funding for the program and enormous support,” Ms. Cooper said.
The 29 upperclassmen mentors were recommended by their teachers. They applied to participate in the program and then went through multiple leadership training sessions that were held at the high school. “They are wonderfully talented and altruistic kids,” Ms. Cooper said.
Guidance counselor Lymari Tattnall helped coordinate the mentor-mentee “day one connection” and support staff member Maria Rodriquez became one of the program’s adult facilitators and translators.
“I am grateful for having had this opportunity as it seems to have impacted not only some mentees, but has also elevated the grades and work ethic of the mentors,” said Ms. Cooper, who coordinated the program.
The program was a hit across the entire building. “The purpose of the school mentors initiative is to provide each newcomer with a supportive environment that helps ease their adjustment to life in a new country and high school,” Ms. Goris-Moroff said. “This goal was effectuated by having upperclassmen ELLs and former ELLs provide support and guidance to incoming ELL students at the high school.”
The teenagers involved in the initiative were overwhelmingly positive about their experience. “The personal, social and academic growth of each student was nurtured through ongoing meetings that included information about school policies, procedures and programs, academic and social counseling and relationship building through upperclassmen mentors,” Ms. Goris-Moroff said. “The mentoring program also encouraged students to stay in school, improve attendance, academic achievement and overall academic focus.”
Huntington UFSD is leaving no stone unturned as it looks to life the academic performance of every student. “Nicole and I provided monthly after-school sessions to help instill self-confidence, improve their communication and leadership skills,” Ms. Goris-Moroff said.
Huntington High School Principal Brenden Cusack was among those attending the program’s completion ceremony for participants in the library.
“We would like to thank the New York Mentoring Program, which provided training for all mentors,” Ms. Goris-Moroff said. “Without their help the program would not have been a success. We saw so much growth in the mentors/mentees. They had a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment. It was amazing to the see them flourish. Young people should not go through high school life alone. Having peers with similar experiences to help guide them is invaluable. The most direct and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life is by mentoring.”