Mentors return for Take Back Polk
Local officials from Rockmart gather back in September for the first mentoring session at Rockmart Middle School as part of the Take Back Polk program.
Earlier in the school year, Commissioner Jennifer Hulsey took on an ambitious goal of trying to improve the lives of students who are struggling the most when they need encouragement and strong influences in their lives.
Hulsey, who is also a Cedartown Middle School English teacher, saw that a number of her students struggling for a variety of reasons. They were getting into trouble, weren’t excelling academically like their peers.
A variety of reasons are involved for their school lives being a struggle, but what Hulsey saw were a target group who if turned around during their early teens, would avoid the pitfalls of many of those who have come before and been in the same position. All the students need are some positive role models.
Enter Hulsey’s Take Back Polk program, entering the third month of meetings between mentors and students at Cedartown and Rockmart Middle School. This Tuesday and Wednesday, students who were selected for the program will be meeting with figures from all walks of life, from business professionals and former educa- tors, to county officials and law enforcement officers.
The students will mainly be focusing on discussing the goals outlined by students earlier in the year and areas of character education.
Judging by previous results, the one- on- one program between the middle school students and their mentors so far seems to be having the effect Hulsey hoped to see.
“Students are very responsive and receptive,” Hulsey said. “They seem excited to see their mentors each time. They also seem to like that someone coming and visiting with them and getting to know them and how they’re doing.”
The program has dozens of people involved with students at both schools, and mentors like County Manager Matt Denton involved and donating time. He said that he has enjoyed the experience so far on his end.
“Mentoring is an opportunity to be a positive influence and provide encouragement,” Denton said. “I look forward to each opportunity to spend time with the students I mentor.”
Denton is just one of more than a dozen coun- ty employees who are taking part from various areas of the administration, law enforcement and more. Even new County Commissioners Jose Iglesias and Hal Floyd are among those volunteering their time.
Hulsey said it has made a difference in the lives of the mentors as well based on the feedback she has received.
“I think the adults are getting as much out of it as the students,” Hulsey said. “I’m so proud to know these people are making time for our students and our community. ... They are always contacting me checking on their students.”
The program will take a break in December for the holidays, and return in January with the hopes of continued student progress. Graduation will come in May ahead of the end of school.