Hearing the last bell of the day, the students crowd the hallways towards the doors. Many may only think of getting to leave or their after-school plans. But technically, school is not over until the thirty-minute mentor period has ended. Students may not even think that M-block is a part of their day, but the school schedule doesn’t end until the last bell after it. At the end of the day, everyone is exhausted, and there can be several reasons, such as a lack of motivation for students to feel encouraged to attend their mentor.
These thirty minutes have been experimented with over several years. It can be difficult to find the best time for all students. One of the first times utilized was only on Mondays. Assistant Principal, Mr. Raymond said, “There was a book that was a character book that we would read chapters out of and watch clips of movies to go along with it. People would read a chapter about a character trait and then watch a clip of a movie that aligned with it.” At first, it was used only for human development and trying to educate students on how to be kind and honest. Attendance was mandatory for these Monday sessions. Raymond said, “Then we changed it to we need some instructional time for students who need help… Monday was character day, and then the rest of the days were instructional time.” This time was provided right after the second block. So students would report to their mentor teacher on Mondays, and then the rest of the days, if they were requested by another teacher, a student would report there. If a student was all caught up on their work, they were forced to return to their mentor and sit for thirty minutes. It was difficult for so many students to have this time after the second block due to Kirkwood classes, but it was also a very impactful time for some. Cassidy Reasor, junior, said, “I would use a mentor more during the day and like to study before the test or look over notes before the class.” Finally, nowadays, no one is forced to go to a mentor unless they are requested. But is this the best system?
It can be difficult for the administration team to find the best place for this block of time. Reasor said, “I like the idea of a mentor because you can get more work done and be productive at school.” She feels that this concept is very important for students who may need help or have questions for their teachers. It can be hard for instructors to be able to focus on one student while having a whole class in their room at the same time. Mentor helps build these connections with teachers and students. Reasor said, “I don’t see my mentor teacher often, maybe once or twice a quarter…I think I would have a better connection with my mentor group if I went and saw them three or four times a week.” Having deeper conversations with these teachers and other students can benefit many people. Although the character training hasn’t gone away, it is now used during Monday Moment over the announcements led by Mr. Semler and followed through by teachers in the classroom. It can still be hard for all students to get that benefit. Many people don’t have a second block and miss these moments and lose the character piece of the week. Some students also have work right after school. So when they are requested, one would have to choose between being late to work or taking control of their education. Finding a time for a mentor can be challenging due to many student’s different schedules.
This year the school has added remediation and skill building during M-Block at the end of the day for students who are not proficient on either ISASPS or the Star test. Literacy, math, and science teachers along with help from the social studies and foreign language departments have been working on specific skills with students who need that extra boost to be successful and meet state standards. It also has served as an added incentive to try on those sometimes pesky tests.
When discussing the concept of this thirty-minute block, we have to understand the importance of it. Many people feel the benefit of this class, but it can be difficult to find the right time to suit everyone. Raymond has made a lot of progress from the first mentor. Although this time efficiency has increased, there is always room for improvement. Raymond said, “We are looking at different ideas for M-Block and would love to hear student’s advice on this subject.” Mentor is here to stay, and understanding the benefits of it can be impactful for all students.
