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Parent Mentor Program grows in Woodland District 50; board hears update
Summary
Board heard a presentation on the Lake County Parent Mentor Program’s local expansion: mentors increased from 6 to 15, are active across primary/elementary/intermediate schools, receive CPR/AED certification, and some transition into paraprofessional roles.
The Board of Education received an update on the district’s Parent Mentor Program on Nov. 21, 2024, as the district expands a partnership with the Lake County Regional Office of Education.
Lavonna Garner, parent mentor organizer for the Lake County Regional Office (introduced by the superintendent), and Tanya Abbey, District 50 parent mentor coordinator, described program growth and activities. Abbey said the program grew from an initial capacity of six mentors to about 15 this year, and reported distribution across buildings — "6 at primary, 7 at elementary, and 4 at intermediate" — while noting intermediate recruitment is more challenging because of student age differences.
The program offers weekly workshops each Friday where mentors receive training and community‑partner presentations. This year the district provided CPR/AED certification (through the YWCA) across multiple Friday sessions and equipped mentors with first‑aid kits and pocket CPR masks. Abbey also described hands‑on projects used in mentor training (a "dream school" project using birdhouses, planting seeds activities and journals) and said the program creates career pathways for parents: several mentors have moved into paraprofessional or substitute roles after participation.
Board members praised the program and said they hope to share the model with neighboring districts. Administrators said the program’s success depends on leadership support, principals’ assistance with recruitment and the Parent Engagement Institute’s funding.
What’s next: The program will continue Friday workshops and representatives plan to present at a regional conference to encourage adoption by other districts.
