LCC Teammates program has tripled in size
— Angie Steffen Laurel Advocate Correspondent LAUREL — Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board members got an update on the Teammates program at their Oct. 14 School Board meeting.
The outlook for the program is very favorable, as it has tripled in size.
When the current Teammate coordinators started last February there were just over 30 participants within Middle School and High School.
At the beginning of the school year, the group started out with 55 participants. As of Oct. 14, Teammates has a total of 97 students seeking mentors within the Middle School and High School.
Most other schools don’t have these kinds of numbers, Board members were told.
More mentors are needed for the program, as 13 students are currently without a mentor.
School employees make up 21 of the mentors. Several mentors have more than one student.
The program features flexible meeting times, 20-30 minutes once a week or when it is otherwise convenient for the mentor.
Both the mentor and student go through a training program to help with the success of the program, which is for all students not simply at-risk students.
Matched individuals participate in a number of activities including board games, crafts, shooting baskets, playing catch, cooking, painting, coloring and talking.
Becoming a mentor is as easy as applying online. Once background and reference checks are completed, training begins. Mentor support is then given by coordinators, the Teammates board and other Teammates.
Anyone interested in mentoring should contact Alan Gottula or Shawna Ranslem at the LCC School.
School administrators noted they were pleased with the Parent teacher conferences. They had an increase in attendance this year with 54 percent attendance compared with 30-40 percent attendance other years.
Board members also received updates on some recent repairs.
One of the busses had to be towed because of a computer system failure.
A temporary repair has been made on the school roof to keep water out.
Three inter local agreements were also approved at the meeting:
- a mutual agreement with Wynot
- Allen for Spanish I course
-Hartington-Newcastle for three students for Level III special education.
The Industrial tech program is in the next phase of the welding component. Eight students are in the class. Equipment costs are $14,000.
The school is also looking into the possibility of an after school program.
Strategic planning brought up the issues of childcare and after school programs. The school will look at programs in Pender, Randolph and St. Paul, among others, for ideas.
Board members wanted to assure local residents the school is not getting into the business of childcare, however, it will support efforts to provide childcare.
An enrichment program after school is a goal, but there are no formal plans. The school has been approached by the Presbyterian Church about establishing such a program. No action was taken on the issue.
The next board meeting will be Nov. 11 in Coleridge.
