Mentors Care at Ferris ISD showing results

FERRIS – Forty-eight students at Ferris High School are part of a new program called Mentors Care.

Mentors Care is a nonprof it founded by Dena Petty 11-years ago.

Krystal Byars, Mentors Care Coordinator at Ferris High School said, “We are currently contracted in six high schools this year, with it being Ferris High School’s first year.

“I am on campus daily for our students to come visit when in need, but I also go out in the community and get adults to mentor one-hour a week to a student I match with them in the program.”

The program is for At-Risk students.

Ferris High School discovered the program when Petty was speaking at a conference and the previous Ferris High School principal heard her testimony.

“Ferris High School then sought out Mentors Care to start with the assistance of seed money for August 2019,” Byars said.

The success stories are empowering. For example, one young lady came to Byars in September. She was in the office during half of her class load almost daily.

“One morning, she did not want to come to school due to the weather. She and her siblings walk to school and it was raining,” Byars said.

“After being late to school, she was so angry. She had so much anger and hate. The assistant principal and school counselor tried to get her to speak for almost three class periods.

“Finally, the student asked for a snack from the counselor. In Mentors Care, each stu dent can get two snacks and a bottle of water free.

“We partner with churches, businesses, or even individuals to help provide healthy snacks for our students – sometimes, this is the only thing our students eat.

“Just by giving this student a granola bar, it opened the opportunity for her to talk to me.

“The rest is history. “She is never late, pass

“She is never late, passing all her classes, has the sweetest mentor that pours into her, and she meets daily with me to have a word of encouragement.

“Words of affirmation are huge with our students.

“The stories continue, and each day is a new day, a new opportunity.”

Ferris High School Principal Andru Gilbert said he believes the program has been outstanding for the High School campus.

“The Mentors Care Program seeks community members to come in and work with students for an hour a week to review life and school.

“This has been outstanding for our students and community alike.

“We have seen a reduction of discipline referrals, and some of our students really grow because of the partnership,” Gilbert said.

Offering true success stories, James Hartman, Ferris ISD’s Superintendent concludes by adding about the program, “The Mentors Care Program has been instrumental in connecting many of our at-risk students with quality adult mentors to support their academic and social-emotional growth.

“We believe the program is beneficial for our students being served as well as very rewarding for the adult mentors that give of their time and life experiences.

“We are so blessed to be in a community that values young people like the Ferris community does.”