New students get peer mentors at Welsh Valley Middle School

Students in sixth, seventh or eighth grade who are new to Welsh Valley Middle School get a helping hand during their school transition. The school’s peer mentoring program pairs new students with eighth-graders who can serve as a positive role models and listening ears. Students can apply to be mentors by getting recommendations from two teachers and parental permission. Beth Cooke, a counselor at the school, reviews all of the applications and chooses the mentors. After the application process, students must agree to commit to the program for the year and attend training and regular meetings with their mentees. Adult program sponsors supervise the meetings and help foster relationships via group activities.