AMBOY – Over the last few school years, the Illinois Regional Office of Education has created a student mentor program and has implemented it into more and more schools.

This year, Amboy Junior High School and Amboy High School are giving it a go and are one of the first school districts in ROE 47 to give it a try.

The mentor program was a big topic of conversation at the Amboy Community Unit School District #272 Board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

“The ROE is putting two student mentors in our junior high and high school. Their job is to mentor and help kids who have issues with truancy and discipline,” said Amboy schools superintendent Joshua Nichols. “They’re here to help kids stay in our school instead of going to an alternative school. Each of the two staff members will have a case load of about 30 kids each. It could be tutoring, counselling, and any other aspect that will help kids stay in our school and be in our school.

“Mendota High School is doing it as well. They piloted the program last spring. We talked to them, and they had nothing but good things to say about the program.”

The two mentors have bachelor’s degrees and counselling backgrounds. There will be a follow up story in an upcoming edition of The Amboy News about the mentors.

Nichols elaborated on his feelings toward the program and the good he thinks it can do.

“I like this program. I’m glad we’re being proactive instead of reactive. A lot of times with ROE programs, by time we’re sending students to alternative school, it’s tough,” Nichols said of the program that has been added to 15-20 Illinois schools this school year. “It means we tried things in school, and it didn’t work out. If we can keep them here in our schools, I think there is a huge benefit.

“It’s us helping kids and giving them the support they deserve.”

The first football game of the season was played on the field surrounded by a brand-new track on Friday, Aug. 30.

Although it wasn’t finished during the first home game, it has been completed since.

“It’s exciting to see kids running on the field and the track,” Nichols said. “That’s what makes projects like replacing the track worth it because those projects are for them.”