Depot Campus Takes Non-Traditional Approach
ReminderNews.com
May 22, 2009
by Melanie Savage
It takes a village to raise a child,” said Shannon Rose, LTI (Learning Through Internships) coordinator for E.O. Smith’s Depot Campus, quoting a Nigerian proverb made famous by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. “Thank you for being a part of our village.” Rose was speaking to a group of businesspeople from the surrounding community. The group of people has dedicated their time and energies over the past year toward mentoring a group of students who are involved in a revolutionary fledgling program. Based on The Big Picture model of learning, Depot Campus provides a “non-traditional educational experience for students who have demonstrated the need for a smaller and more personal instructional setting,” according to the program’s Web site.
Ann Tucker looks on as her mentee, Jacqui, describes her internship as a daycare provider. Photos by Melanie Savage. Mansfield Fire Chief David Dagon listens to Amber describe her experience. “The traditional setting doesn’t serve everybody,” said Depot Director Brad Martin.
Students who are struggling in the traditional high school environment are identified via cooperation between teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, and Depot staff. “These aren’t necessarily troubled kids,” said Martin. “This is a pretty diverse group of kids who were struggling for a variety of different reasons.”
At Depot, students are offered an individualized program that is tailored to their specific interests. The Big Picture model places an importance upon adult-student relationships. The goal is for teachers, referred to as advisors, to stay with the students throughout their high school career. “Some of our brightest and most creative students, we haven’t been successful with at E.O. Smith,” said Regional School District 19 Superintendent Bruce Silva. “This is an exciting educational experience, one of only a handful in the country.” There are only 60 Big Picture schools nationwide, and only three in Connecticut.
Students at the Depot Campus are expected to spend at least two full days a week participating in an off-campus internship . That’s where the community mentors come in. At a May 15 gathering, Depot Campus students and staff thanked mentors for their involvement in the first full year of the program.
“Your commitment has revitalized these kids’ education,” said Martin, citing a 100 percent attendance rate for Depot students. “I really want you to know that you’ve made a difference, and I want to thank you for that.”
“The first day she handed me a set of keys,” said student Cody, of mentor Jane Homick from the Windham Arts Collaborative. “She really had faith in me. I didn’t expect to have that much responsibility as a 15-year-old sophomore.”
Jim York, from the Mansfield Fire Department, admitted that he was hesitant at first when asked to participate in the program. “But I was happy, as well, that there was a student who was interested in us,” he said. He described his time mentoring student Amber as a positive experience for both of them.
Several told stories of students starting off shy and blossoming under the support of their mentors. “My goal with Amber was to help her be more outgoing, to communicate better,” said Dawn Smith from The Elegant Edge salon. Smith said that Amber quickly gained self-confidence and became an integral part of her business.
Katrina worked with Susan Tolis of the Connecticut Repertory Theater at Jorgensen Auditorium. Tolis mentored Katrina in costume design. “I was hesitant at first to work with high school students,” said Tolis. “I was new in the position, and I wondered how to organize her into my schedule. It’s also a little scary to know you’re going to be a part of their education.” But Tolis took a chance on Katrina, and the two developed a close relationship. “I learned to be a mentor. Katrina learned to be more communicative,” she said.
Martin spoke for Taylor’s mentor at I-98 Willimantic Radio, who could not attend the celebration. The station regularly mentors interns from Eastern and UConn, and hesitated at first to take on a high school student. “Taylor outworked all of those college students ,” said Martin.
For more information about becoming a mentor for Depot Campus, contact Shannon Rose at 487-2262 or srose@eosmith .org.