Program takes mentoring to new level
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Lampasas High School Principal Brandon Stiewig knows what it takes for student success.

It requires a combination of teachers, students, parents and community members to keep his campus a safe, healthy and fun learning environment.

To that end, Stiewig, previously a principal in Marble Falls, is instigating a special program that proved effective at his former stomping grounds: mentoring. But he is taking the idea to a whole new level with his Badgers Advisory Team.

His motto -- "Go to BAT for a Badger" -- reflects a comprehensive advisory program designed to help students achieve higher levels of success, Stiewig said. "At LHS, we strive to prepare all students physically, mentally, socially and morally toward the full realization of their highest capabilities."

The school's counseling staff and principal are seeking to address student needs and bring about closer relationships between students and teachers, with a special emphasis on at-risk students. "But not only do those at risk of dropping out need those relationships, all kids do," said Stiewig.

The BAT program, therefore, addresses 100 percent of the campus' student body.

Eighty groups -- of 12 to 14 students apiece -- will each be assigned to a professional employee at LHS who will track those dozen or so individuals through their high school years. "This provides a great loop of communication between school and home," said the principal.

The group teachers will serve as the first point of contact for parents. Teachers will meet with students every three weeks to see how they are progressing and to better get to know their students.

This is relationship building at its finest, said the principal. "It allows us the opportunity to be in tune with our students, and it serves their academic as well as individual needs."

At each 30-minute session, teachers can visit with students to discuss pertinent issues at the national, state and local levels.

Teachers will have information on each student's attendance, grades, Texas Assessment of Academic Skills test scores and more.

A letter has been sent to parents to outline the program details and goals.

"This is a program that addresses everybody -- we are not singling out any particular individual. Everyone will benefit," said the school official.

And everyone will participate: counselors, principals and even some district administrators.

Group leaders may contact a student's home if they have questions or there are problems to be addressed, said Stiewig. "This will open the lines of communication dramatically. It will be good for parents as well as students. They can be informed about what's going on, and they can contact us if they have concerns."

Program mentors also can assist students in finding resources they may need to deal with individual requirements, but contact between home and school is one of the program's main purposes, the principal added.

This type of mentoring is becoming common across high school populations and is meeting with much success, Stiewig said.

"This has been in our campus improvement program. I want it to be a sustainable program, and have our staff and students feel good about it. I want them to be encouraged about this. The key is communication. I am positive that LHS will see many positive results from this program."