Get Involved. Become a Mentor.
(click on links to the right for mentor forms)
Why Mentor a Child?
Research increasingly indicates that children who succeed, despite often enormous personal, economic or social obstacles, do so because of caring, competent adults who believe in them. Mentoring outcomes are reciprocal: mentors attest to enhanced self image and self esteem, fulfilling expression of personal values and accrue cultural capital and a diverse perspective.
The Mentoring USA Evaluation Summary of 2004/05, conducted annually to measure results, surveyed over 140 individuals (mentors and site coordinators) involved with their mentoring program. The following changes in the child’s (mentee’s) attitudes and behaviors were reported as a result of the one-to-one mentoring relationship:
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83% reported increased ability of the child to express emotion
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79% reported increased child participation in activities and socialization
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77% reported the child showed increased confidence
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73% reported the child showed an improved connectedness to the group
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72% reported an improvement in the child’s relationship with peers
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68% reported an increase in the child’s show of respect for others
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63% reported an increase in the child’s ability to form relationships
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56% reported the child’s attitude toward school improved
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54% reported the child’s ability to effectively resolve conflict improved
Make a Difference!
Thank you for your interest in mentoring! We are currently processing applications based on the needs of San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. All mentors will be expected to complete our training and screening before starting to mentor.
APPLICANT PRE-REQUISITES
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The applicant MUST be 18 years of age or older.
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The applicant MUST make a one-year commitment to mentor a youth for a minimum of 4 hours a month .
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The applicant MUST complete a Volunteer/Mentor application and contract with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
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The applicant MUST pass a criminal background check conducted through the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District.
Learn To Stay Ahead
Educational opportunities available in the San Marcos community rival any educational system in the state. This wealth of educational institutions underscores the premise that no longer must corporations be headquartered in large cities to be on top of technological discoveries and provide employees and their children the finest educational opportunities. In addition to a fine public school system, seven colleges and universities lie within 30 miles of San Marcos, 17 within 50 miles.
Superior Public School System
The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District operates eleven campuses to meet the needs of its 7,000 students. Student academic performance is the main priority of the district. For the fifth year in a row, San Marcos CISD campuses have been recognized for gains in student performance by the Texas Education Agency. During the 1998-99 school year SMCISD was designated a "Recognized School District". SMHS students are recognized in the National Merit Scholars Program on an annual basis.
Community partnerships, such as the dozens of programs and efforts of Southwest Texas State University, Partners in Education, the Federal Gary Job Corps program and local businesses, are a priority of the district.
Continuing education is another focus of the district. Austin Community College classes are held at the high school, and Creative Education Institute computer labs that are used by students during the day, are open for parents and other adults during the evening.
Quality instructional staff, supportive parents, positive intergovernmental and university relations, business and community partnerships and a dedicated Board of Trustees have worked together to make San Marcos CISD an outstanding school district for all students.
For more information on the SMCISD new construction projects, visit this link.
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Since it opened in 1903, Texas State University-San Marcos has grown into a comprehensive regional university with programs through the master's degree level and including one doctoral program. More than 21,000 students attend class on this beautiful campus, which is built atop a hill overlooking the San Marcos River. The university offers undergraduate courses and degrees in a wide variety of subjects through seven academic schools, and more than 40 masters degree programs offered through the Graduate School. The university maintains close ties with the community by offering skill assessments, hiring, testing, and other services.
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San Marcos Baptist Academy is a fully accredited college preparatory school committed to educating young men and women within a nurturing community based upon Christian values. Founded in 1907, the school will soon celebrate 100 years as a Texas tradition.
The Academy seeks to provide for the intellectual, physical and spiritual development of each student. The highly structured residential life program provides dormitory supervision in a 1:8 staff-to-student ratio. A school-wide program for Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) offers training in key life skills and includes a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit. Male high school students who are U.S. citizens are required to participate in JROTC during their first semester at the Academy. Continued participation is voluntary.
SMBA aims to meet each student’s individual needs. Although the primary emphasis is college preparation, the curriculum provides assistance for students needing academic reinforcement in basic subjects or specialized instruction for learning differences. The Learning Skills Program, staffed by three full-time learning specialists, provides individual assistance for students with documented mild to moderate learning differences. Opportunities exist for more advanced students to complete up to 28 hours of dual-credit college courses.
The Academy's English as a Second Language program facilitates assimilation of international students from nine different countries. Rounding out the academic program are Fine Arts opportunities in visual arts, music and theatre, vocal ensembles, a concert/marching and a jazz band.
A full compliment of competitive sports and student activities are offered. Our after school activities program includes Intramural sports and 4-H. The Hill Country 4-H Club, based at San Marcos Baptist Academy, offers students a unique blend of experiences in leadership, competition and life skills.
San Marcos Baptist Academy maintains a 200-acre campus nestled in the hill country. Contact us at 2801 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas 78666. (512) 353-2400 or www.smba.org.
Texas Preparatory School
Texas Preparatory School is a state approved public school serving students in grades K-8th. Texas Prep is the first charter school in San Marcos and is designed to afford parents educational choice regardless their income or social class. Texas Prep especially wants to serve children in elementary and secondary school from disadvantaged circumstances. Enrollment is free and uniforms are required. 512-805-3000
The Gary Job Corps Center is a federally funded job-training program for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Training is free to eligible men and women. Enrollment is 1,900 resident students. More than 600 area citizens are employed at Gary.
The center offers vocational training in 22 trades, a comprehensive academic program leading to a General Education Development (GED) diploma and driver's education. Placement specialists help graduates find jobs. In addition to academics, job training, and job placement, Job Corps students receive meals, medical care, a living allowance based on attendance and a readjustment allowance.
The Gary Job Corps center is operated by Management & Training Corporation for the U.S. Department of Labor.
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San Marcos Distance Learning Center was established as a collaborative effort between ACC and the San Marcos CISD in an effort to bring basic college courses to parents, students and residents of the area. All classes are held at San Marcos High School. Semester offerings may vary. For more information, call 353-7224.
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Other Parochial/Private Schools
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Educational Services
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Sylvan Learning Center has been in San Marcos since the Spring of 1997 and has helped hundreds of students catch up, keep up, and get ahead using something no one else has, the Sylvan Advantage. We start by giving each student a diagnostic assessment which pinpoints students' strengths and weaknesses. Then we meet with parents to set goals for the student. Each student works on an individualized lesson plan with highly trained certified teachers who give individual attention and praise to help build students' confidence and motivation while they're learning new skills. We teach reading, writing, math, algebra, geometry, and study skills. We also offer SAT preparation courses and homework support. For more information, call 512-395-8400 or email san.marcos.tx-12073@educate.com.
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Village Sensei: Education consultant. Private tutoring by a certified teacher serving primarily grades 6-10 math, reading, writing, study skills, TAKS review, end-of-course exam reviews. Dyslexia, special education trained. No Child Left Behind provider
Learning To Stay Ahead
