Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Norwood students and Piscataway High JROTC cadets highlighted mentorship program at board meeting
Summary
Norwood Elementary students and Piscataway High School JROTC cadets presented a mentor–mentee program to the board, with Principal Brian Bolt and JROTC officers describing twice-monthly mentor visits that pair 20 cadets with nearly 30 elementary students; certificates were presented to mentees.
Norwood Elementary Principal Brian Bolt described the school’s Air Force JROTC Mentors Program, which pairs Piscataway High School cadets with first- through third-grade students for twice-monthly visits to read, play educational games and practice social skills. "The program supports themes like friendship, resilience and what makes me special," Bolt said, noting that 20 cadets are mentoring nearly 30 Norwood students this year.
Cadet leaders and JROTC officers told the Piscataway Township Board of Education the visits are scheduled during the school day and focus on academic and social support. First Lieutenant Marc (spoke as program lead) said the mentors look forward to the visits and that certificates were presented to mentees as recognition. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kerr and other officers attended the presentation in support.
Students who spoke at the meeting described activities they enjoy with their mentors—reading together, playing games and talking about school. One former transition-program participant, Ahamad (Ahmad) Islam, also addressed the board, summarizing his experience in the district’s transition program and his subsequent employment with the district; the board praised his work and role-model example.
Why it matters: Board members framed the presentation as an example of in-district collaboration that gives younger students role models while providing high-school cadets a service opportunity. The program’s district backing and the public recognition at the board meeting indicate administrative support as the mentorship continues into the school year.
The presentation closed with certificates and a group photo; the board thanked students, mentors and program staff. No formal board action was required for the presentation.
