The Power of Peer-to-Peer Connections
At Stanley Park High School, we recognize the immense value of fostering a diverse and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive. One of the ways we strive to achieve this is through our student buddy and mentorship programs, which aim to create meaningful connections and facilitate the successful integration of new students into our school environment.
The International Buddy Program: Easing the Transition
Navigating the challenges of a new school and a new culture can be daunting for any student, but it can be especially overwhelming for our international students. That’s why we’ve implemented the International Buddy Program (IBP) to help make the transition a little smoother.
The IBP matches incoming international students, known as “Junior Buddies,” with returning international and domestic students, or “Senior Buddies.” These Senior Buddies serve as a valuable resource for their Junior Buddies, providing guidance, support, and friendship throughout the first semester.
“The program has made a world of difference for me,” shares Aya, a Junior Buddy from Japan. “My Senior Buddy, Liam, has been an amazing help in adjusting to life at Stanley Park. He’s shown me around the school, introduced me to new people, and even helped me with my homework. I’m so grateful to have him as a mentor and friend.”
Empowering Student Leadership
The benefits of the IBP go beyond just supporting new international students. It also provides an opportunity for our returning students to develop essential leadership and intercultural skills. Senior Buddies undergo training on topics such as intercultural competency and supporting the transition needs of international students.
“Being a Senior Buddy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Stanley Park,” says Liam, a Senior Buddy. “Not only have I been able to help someone else adjust to life here, but I’ve also learned so much about different cultures and how to effectively communicate across language and cultural barriers. It’s been an invaluable learning experience.”
Expanding the Mentorship Landscape
While the IBP focuses on supporting international students, we recognize the importance of mentorship opportunities for all of our students. That’s why we’ve implemented a variety of other mentorship programs to address the diverse needs of our school community.
The Phoenix Mentor Program
The Phoenix Mentor Program pairs first-year students with upper-class peer mentors to help them navigate the transition to high school. These mentors provide academic guidance, connect mentees with campus resources, and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.
“My mentor, Samantha, has been a lifesaver,” says Lila, a first-year student. “She’s helped me stay on top of my classes, get involved in extracurricular activities, and just generally feel more confident and comfortable here at Stanley Park. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
The SMART Mentoring Program
For our students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, the SMART Mentoring Program offers additional support and guidance. This program, facilitated by the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE), pairs first-year ALANAM (African, Latin, Asian, Native American, and Multiracial) students with upperclassmen mentors who share similar experiences and identities.
“Being a part of the SMART program has been truly transformative for me,” says Amara, a first-year ALANAM student. “My mentor, Zoe, has helped me navigate the challenges of being a student of color in a predominantly white school environment. She’s been a role model, a confidant, and a constant source of support.”
Fostering a Culture of Mentorship
At Stanley Park High School, we understand that mentorship is not just a program – it’s a culture that permeates every aspect of our community. That’s why we’re committed to expanding our efforts to empower all of our students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful mentoring relationships.
Through initiatives like the Advising Working Group’s Handbook for Elevating the Advising Relationship (HEAR) and the Mentoring Initiative Design Team’s cross-campus pilot programs, we’re working to equip our educators with the skills and resources necessary to foster impactful mentoring experiences.
“Mentorship is not just about helping students succeed academically – it’s about supporting their personal growth, building their confidence, and helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in the world beyond our school walls,” says Principal Olivia Redmond. “By cultivating a culture of mentorship, we’re not only empowering our students, but also strengthening the fabric of our entire school community.”
Connecting Across Boundaries
One of the key benefits of our mentorship programs is their ability to bridge the gaps between different groups within our school. By pairing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we’re creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
“Before joining the IBP, I didn’t have many opportunities to interact with international students,” says Liam, a Senior Buddy. “But getting to know Aya and learning about her culture has been an incredibly eye-opening experience. It’s helped me become more open-minded and empathetic, and I know that these skills will serve me well long after I’ve graduated from Stanley Park.”
The Path Forward
As we continue to refine and expand our student buddy and mentorship programs, we remain committed to ensuring that every member of the Stanley Park High School community feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
“Fostering intercultural understanding and creating a sense of belonging for all of our students is at the core of our mission,” says Principal Redmond. “By investing in these mentorship initiatives, we’re not only helping our students thrive academically, but also preparing them to be engaged, compassionate, and culturally competent global citizens.”
We encourage all of our students, families, and community members to get involved in these transformative programs. Whether you’re an incoming student looking for a mentor, a returning student interested in becoming a mentor, or a parent or community member who wants to support our efforts, we welcome you to join us on this journey of building a more inclusive and connected school community.
Together, we can create a future where every student at Stanley Park High School has the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
