COMPASS

The COMPASS Project is federal grant program based at Southern Middle School in Aberdeen.  The grant, which began during the 2007-08 school year, provides funding to support one-on-one mentoring for students who can benefit from this type of intervention.

The Project is designed to provide sixth grade students direction in their lives through use of the Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens materials and the guidance of a caring adult.  We begin by asking the students about their dreams and aspirations.  Every student involved in our program has been able to articulate a specific idea of what they wanted to do when they become an adult.  Of course, there are a good number of boys who want to become professional athletes.

Regardless of the stated dream, we indicate that the mentoring program will help them work towards their stated dreams.  If a boy wants to become a professional football player, we discuss the steps that he must take to reach his dream. 

First, he must make good grades and practice good health and fitness habits in order to play middle school and high school football.  He must be dedicated to practicing long hours in order to achieve excellence and to display the character traits desired by college coaches.  Then, he must play well enough to garner the attention of a college recruiter.  From there, he must continue to excel in the classroom to maintain his eligibility while distinguishing himself on the playing field.  While most children never recognize their dreams to play professional sports, the effort that they put forth in reaching this goal will benefit them regardless of their ultimate career destination.

The training component for mentors includes the 24 hour Signature 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Program based upon the book by Stephen Covey.  The first 8 hours of training will be provided by a Franklin Covey consultant on Monday, September 15, 2008.   The remainder of the training is completed in four hour blocks during the evening or on Saturday mornings.  I can customize the training if these times do not fit a volunteer’s schedule.

To insure the safety of our children, we do require a background check for all volunteers.  The check includes fingerprinting which we can do at the school. 

Students selected for the COMPASS Project are a diverse group of students.  In recruiting students, we ask the sixth grade teachers to identify students that they believe will benefit from having a mentor in their lives.  We then interview the students to determine their level of interest and dedication to the program.  No student is placed in the program without their consent or commitment to fulfill their responsibilities as mentees.

Once each mentor is matched with a student, he/she will schedule an initial time to meet with the designated student.  Mentoring time may be scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM -12:00 Noon.  Mentors will meet with their students one hour per week at Southern Middle School.  While mentors are invited to accompany their students on four COMPASS Project field trips during the year, we never ask them to meet with a student outside of school.

The focus of each mentoring meeting is determined by the student and mentor.  While the stated goal of the meetings is to help students reach their dreams, a secondary purpose is to give the students an opportunity to discuss issues with a caring adult.  The 7 Habits program provides a common language to help students and mentors plan strategies for personal growth.  The four dimensions of personal development (physical, mental, spiritual, social/emotional) offers much material for discussion.

In our first year of operation, we were able to recruit a diverse group of volunteers.  We have retirees, moms, business people, school personnel, clergy, non-profit staff, and others who serve as mentors.  We are seeking additional caring, patient adults who are willing to listen and share their wisdom with youth.  We ask each volunteer to commit to visiting their student one hour per week during the 2008-09 school year.  

If you wish additional information or desire to speak with one of our mentors, please contact Dr. Robin Moore or Anna Harris.  If you desire, we will be happy to visit your organization and make presentations as needed. An application is available via email.

Sincerely,

Robin Moore, Ph.D.                                                            Anna Harris

COMPASS Project Director                                               COMPASS Project Coordinator

Email: robin_moore@broadlink.biz                              Email: aldharris73@hotmail.com 

(910) 638-8223                                                                    (910) 690-4262