It takes a village to raise a child , ” said Shannon Rose , LTI ( Learning Through Internships ) coordinator for E . O . Smith’s Depot Campus , quoting a Nigerian proverb made famous by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton . “ Thank youfor being a part of our village . ” Rose was speaking to a group of businesspeople from the surrounding community . The group of people has dedicated their time and energies over the past yeartoward mentoring a group of students who are involved in a revolutionary fledgling program . Based on The Big Picture model of learning , Depot Campus provides a “ non-traditional educational experience for students who have demonstrated the need for a smaller and more personal instructional setting , ” according to the program’s Web site .

“ The traditional setting doesn’t serve everybody , ” said Depot Director Brad Martin . Students who are struggling in the traditional high school environment are identified via cooperation between teachers , administrators , guidance counselors , and Depot staff . “ These aren’t necessarily troubled kids , ” said Martin . “ This is a pretty diverse group of kids who were struggling for a variety of different reasons . ”

At Depot , students are offered an individualized program that is tailored to their specific interests . The Big Picture model places an importance upon adult-student relationships . The goal is for teachers , referred to as advisors , to stay with the students throughout their high school career .

“ Some of our brightest and most creative students , we haven’t been successful with at E . O . Smith , ” said Regional School District 19 Superintendent Bruce Silva . “ This is an exciting educational experience , one of only a handful in the country . ” There are only 60 Big Picture schools nationwide , and only three in Connecticut .

Students at the Depot Campus are expected to spend at least two full days a week participating in an off-campus internship . That’s where the community mentors come in . At a May 15 gathering , Depot Campus students and staff thanked mentors for their involvement in the first full yearof the program .

“ Your commitment has revitalized these kids’ education , ” said Martin , citing a 100 percent attendance rate for Depot students . “ I really want youto know that you’vemade a difference , and I want to thank youfor that . ”

“ The first day she handed me a set of keys , ” said student Cody , of mentor Jane Homick from the Windham Arts Collaborative . “ She really had faith in me . I didn’t expect to have that much responsibility as a 15-year-old sophomore . ”

Jim York , from the Mansfield Fire Department , admitted that he was hesitant at first when asked to participate in the program . “ But I was happy , as well , that there was a student who was interested in us , ” he said . He described his time mentoring student Amber as a positive experience for both of them .

Several told stories of students starting off shy and blossoming under the support of their mentors . “ My goal with Amber was to help her be more outgoing , to communicate better , ” said Dawn Smith from The Elegant Edge salon . Smith said that Amber quickly gained self-confidence and became an integral part of her business .

Katrina worked with Susan Tolis of the Connecticut Reperatory Theater at Jorgensen Auditorium . Tolis mentored Katrina in costume design . “ I was hesitant at first to work with high school students , ” said Tolis . “ I was new in the position , and I wondered how to organize her into my schedule . It’s also a little scary to know you’regoing to be a part of their education . ” But Tolis took a chance on Katrina , and the two developed a close relationship . “ I learned to be a mentor . Katrina learned to be more communicative , ” she said .

Martin spoke for Taylor’s mentor at I-98 Willimantic Radio , who could not attend the celebration . The station regularly mentors interns from Eastern and UConn , and hesitated at first to take on a high school student . “ Taylor outworked all of those college students , ” said Martin .

For more information about becoming a mentor for Depot Campus , contact Shannon Rose at 487-2262 or srose@eosmith . org .