Henrico Schools’ H.E.R.O.E.S. program seeking mentors

Henrico Schools is looking for one-on-one mentors for students as a part of the Henrico H.E.R.O.E.S. program for the 2023-2024 school year.

The mentoring program – Helpers Engaged in Reaching Our Evolving Students – will accept community members that can commit to 30-45 minute sessions once a week with a mentee from October to May.

Founded in 2009, Henrico H.E.R.O.E.S. implements mentoring programs for HCPS youth to help them in decision making, emotional growth, academic performance, and overall well-being. Mentors help encourage the students to have a better outlook on their future and post-high school plans, form healthy relationships, and adopt good lifestyle choices, according to K-12 intervention specialist Leslie Waller.

“We are passionate about providing nurturing one-to-one relationships and community support that will allow students to develop into their full potential and make informed, responsible decisions as members of their community,” Waller said.

The program matches mentors with students of all different ages and grade levels, serving youth from 19 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 11 high schools.

Mentors must complete a two-hour program training and commit to attending an opening and closing event. Along with the one-on-one mentoring sessions, Henrico H.E.R.O.E.S. will also hold a series of in-person events throughout the school year.

“It is important that effective mentoring relationships be sustained consistently for a period of time,” Waller said. “We are looking for individuals who are interested in committing their time to grow with a student over one school year. It is because of individuals’ volunteerism that we are able to offer such opportunity to our students.”

Prospective mentors must complete an application and a background check to be considered. Mentors do not need to be HCPS staff members, according to the HCPS website, and the program is looking for mentors from a variety of backgrounds.

Those interested in becoming a mentor can attend one of the following sessions:

Virtual (Microsoft Teams):

• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 10
• 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 16
• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 26
• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 9

In-person:

• 9 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14 in the Sunroom at Belmont Recreation Center, located at 1600 Hilliard Rd.
• 9 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 also in the Sunroom.
• 9 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 23 in the Strawberry Ballroom at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, located at 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.

Henrico H.E.R.O.E.S. serves the following HCPS schools:

Elementary schools:

Achievable Dream Certified Academy at Highland Springs
Adams Elementary School
Arthur Ashe Elementary School
Baker Elementary School
Chamberlayne Elementary School
Donahoe Elementary School
Fair Oaks Elementary School
Glen Lea Elementary School
Harvie Elementary School
Holladay Elementary School
Jackson Davis Elementary School
Laburnum Elementary School
Lakeside Elementary School
Mehfoud Elementary School
Montrose Elementary School
Ratcliffe Elementary School
Springfield Park Elementary
Varina Elementary School
Ward Elementary School

Middle schools:

Elko Middle School
Fairfield Middle School
Holman Middle School
Hungary Creek Middle School
Moody Middle School
Pocahontas Middle School
Quioccasin Middle School
Rolfe Middle School
Short Pump Middle School
Tuckahoe Middle School
Wilder Middle School

High schools:

Academy at Virginia Randolph
Deep Run High School
Freeman High School
Glen Allen High School
Godwin High School
GRAD Center
Henrico High School
Hermitage High School
Highland Springs High School
J.R. Tucker High School
Varina High School