Freshmen entering high school always feel a little bit lost. The Norski Mentor Program at DeForest Area High School intends to remedy this. In this program, juniors and senior volunteers are assigned a group of four to five freshmen to befriend and guide during their first year of high school.

The Norski Mentor Program is facilitated by guidance counselors Chris Micklos and Rebecca Schneider.  

What is the Norski Mentor Program?

The Norski Mentor Program is a school community-building program, where the experience of successful upperclassmen can help guide and support freshmen. At the same time these upperclassmen gain leadership experience. The program aims to increase academic achievement and increase interaction among the grade levels. Schools that have tried this method have seen double digit percent reductions in freshman truancy, referrals and hazings.

The upperclassmen chosen for these posts are selected based on communications skills, responsibility, self-confidence, organization and enthusiasm.

How does the Mentor Program support freshmen?

1. An invitation to orientation is sent with the last report card of 8th grade year.

2. Mentor Teams – All freshmen are divided into Mentor Teams of 4-5 students. Each team is assigned a Norski Mentor who will serve as mentor and friend for the year.

3. Mentor Invite – Norski Mentors invite freshmen to join a Facebook page that invites them to upcoming events such as Freshman Orientation.  This page also helps keep freshman informed about upcoming events mentors host throughout the year.

4. Freshman Orientation – Freshman Orientation is a full day dedicated to helping freshman get comfortable with the high school.  It is held in late August.  Freshman participate in a low-ropes course promoting team building, walk-through their schedule, participate in a Q & A with the principals and get to know their mentors.

5. Mentor Support – Norski Mentors are encouraged to check in with their freshmen periodically throughout the year, particularly during the first few weeks of school.

7. Classroom Lessons – These are lessons taught by Mentors to Freshman in advisory class twice a month on "C days".  Lesson topics include "study skills and test taking tips", "time management" and "using resources in high school" to name a few.

8. Social Follow-Ups – Norski Mentors sponsors social events on campus to help freshmen and mentors stay connected. Some examples are: tailgating at the football games, ice-cream socials, advisory and study hall competitions, etc.

Norski Mentor Recruitment

Norski Mentor recruitment begins in March of each year.  Students should check announcements around this time to get more information.   We start by having students fill out an application.  Next students that pass the application process and meet the 3.0 cumulative GPA requirement will go on to have an interview. From this point, we decide who will become a Norski Mentor.  We are looking for students who are responsible, show leadership, have charisma, can speak in front of others and finally are excellent role models for others.  

Students interested in being a mentor must be able to meet the time commitment.  The mentor commitment is for the whole year.  Mentors meetings are held bi-weekly. Mentors also go into freshman advisories and teach lessons bi-weekly.  In addition, there are social events and activities that require study hall and after school time.

Please see Ms. Micklos or Ms. Schneider in the Guidance office for more information. 

DAHS Student Services/Guidance