High School Mentor November Bulletin

Thank you for taking the time to complete the High School Mentor Survey—your input has been invaluable in shaping this bulletin and ensuring it reflects what matters most to you and your mentee. Below is important information intended to support you as a high school mentor and to help you advocate on behalf of your mentee as they navigate their high school journey.

If your mentee brings up a concern—or you sense they may need extra guidance—start by having an open and honest conversation with them to understand how you can best support their needs. Whether their challenges involve academics, friendships, family, or future planning, please speak with your Mentor Director first before taking any steps, and be sure to obtain your mentee’s permission to do so.

The information below serves as a general guide to help you understand campus-based support.  Your Mentor Director can help connect you to the right resource quickly and effectively.

Understanding School Helpers on Campus

As a mentor, it’s important to know who can help your mentee at school. Every high school has a network of “helpers” who support students in different ways—academically, emotionally, and socially. Not all campuses have the same staff, but knowing the key roles can make it easier to guide your mentee toward the right person when they need support.

School Counselors

High school counselors focus primarily on academics—helping students with schedules, testing, grades, and graduation planning. They can also assist with some emotional and personal issues, though teens don’t always seek them out for that.

Counselors can help with:

• Relationship problems (friends, family, or dating)
• Conflict with teachers or peers
• Bullying or feeling unsafe at school
• Basic needs (food, clothing, or holiday help)
• Reporting abuse or neglect
• Support for students displaced from their home
  

Counselors often serve as the first point of contact for both academic and personal matters. They may also connect students to other campus helpers for additional support.

School Social Workers & Mental Health Counselors

These professionals focus on a student’s emotional well-being and mental health. They can:

• Provide counseling and support for emotional struggles
• Conduct assessments when students show signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Address issues related to substance use or addiction
• Connect families to community-based services
  

If your campus has Communities in Schools (CIS), that staff member often acts as a bridge to support services available on campus or in the community.

Parent Liaisons

Parent Liaisons build relationships with families and help connect them to campus and community resources.

They are a great contact for:

• Food pantries or clothing closets
• Help with utility bills or basic needs
• Assistance navigating school attendance or other processes
• Family or community engagement events
  

Administrators (Principals, Assistant Principals, Deans)

Administrators typically handle:

• Discipline and behavior concerns
• Poor attendance or truancy
• Bullying incidents
• Reporting suspicious activity or crimes
  

They play a key role in ensuring a safe and supportive campus environment.

School Resource Officers (SROs)

These are police officers assigned to the school. They assist when:

• A crime has been committed on campus
• There’s concern about weapons, threats, or violence
• Issues occur on the way to or from school or on the school bus
  

They help maintain school safety and security.

 College & Career Center Staff

Many high schools have a College and Career Center to help students plan their future.   These staff members can guide students through:

• College applications and scholarships 
• Career planning and internships
• Military or vocational program options
  

Confidentiality and Student Trust

Confidentiality is very important to students. School staff must report suspected abuse or neglect, even if the situation seems unclear. Because this can make students hesitant to open up, it’s often helpful to encourage them to identify one trusted adult at school—such as a teacher or counselor—they feel comfortable talking to.  

Some mentees may also be closely connected to a teacher or staff member who sponsors an extracurricular activity, such as sports, band, choir, theater, AVID, or a student club. These teachers often act as informal mentors through their involvement and can be excellent sources of support. When asking your mentee about who they trust on campus, be sure to include these teachers or activity sponsors in the conversation.

Tips for Mentors

• If you’re not familiar with your mentee’s campus, ask your Mentor Director for guidance. They often know more about the campus culture and available supports.
• Always get your mentee’s permission before reaching out to anyone at school about them.
• Encourage your mentee to advocate for themselves by seeking help from a trusted adult when needed.

Closing Thought

Knowing who to turn to on campus—including trusted teachers who often know the school culture best—helps mentors and mentees feel supported and ensures students get the help they need when challenges arise.