Mentors needed

ENFIELD - The Enfield Public Schools Mentor Program is currently seeking caring adult volunteers to mentor students. This program is strictly school-based and mentors commit to one hour per week, one-on-one with their mentee at their school. This is not a tutoring program. Mentors use their time in any way which is special to the pair—playing games, doing crafts, or just talking. No special skills are required. Enjoying children and being a good listener are most important. The team has retirees, business people, recent empty-nesters, police officers and firefighters. There is an especially acute need for male mentors and minority mentors. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. For the safety of students, prospective mentors must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, be fingerprinted and complete a background check. Additionally, mentors must complete a formal application and attend a training session. The Enfield Mentoring Program assumes all costs involved with the background check and training. Mentors are provided with activity materials, advanced training opportunities, and coordinator support. There will be an information/training session offered to prospective mentors on Jan. 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Henry Barnard Elementary School, 27 Shaker Road. Dinner will be provided. Reservations are required. If you are interested in learning more about mentoring in Enfield, contact Mary Scutt, mentor program coordinator at 860-253-4737 or e-mail mscutt@enfieldschools.org.