Agenda Item
a. Memorandum Of Understanding Between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and DCSD (not to exceed $249,983)
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kishia Towns, Deputy Superintendent of Student Support and Intervention, Division of Equity and Student Empowerment
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and DCSD in the amount of $249,983 to provide Level Up: In-School Mentoring services to 100 students at Lithonia Middle School during the 2024 school year. This request is aligned to Strategic Goal Area IV, Culture and Climate.
Why: DCSD would like to implement the Level Up: In-School Mentoring program at Lithonia Middle School to support our students in developing a vision for the future, avoiding risky behavior(s), and developing a sense of belonging. Lithonia was selected based on at-risk concerns presented by students.
Details: The Level Up program utilizes three paid staff members, including, one mentoring supervisor, and two lead mentors, who meet weekly with eight groups of five students and hosts 10 (1:1) sessions with students. They will have the capacity to serve one hundred students, including group and individual sessions.
Financial impact: The total budget of $249,983 to implement the Level Up Program at Lithonia Middle School will be allocated using funds from Purchased Professional and Technical Services: 448.2100.530000.30521.7370.4190.8010.090.2022.
Contact: Dr. Kishia Towns, Deputy Superintendent of Student Support and Intervention, Division of Equity and Student Empowerment, 678.676.0520
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director of Wrap Around and Support Services, Division of Equity and Student Empowerment, 678.676.2011
Status: Approved by General Counsel.
In 2022, we launched a new program–Level Up–that includes
small group and 1:1 mentoring provided by trained, professional
mentors who work in the school providing students with the
opportunity to be mentored during the school day.
142 149 1 %
97 %
48 %
51 %
1
black female male different
identity
Vision for the Future Avoidance of Risky Behaviors
• 90% of Students will complete a Future • 95% of Students will avoid the Juvenile
Planning Guide by end of the Year Justice System
• 75% of Students will have consistent or • 90% of Students will have reduced or no
improved educational expectations school discipline events
Social-Emotional Learning Sense of Belonging
• 75% of Students with Decreased or • 80% of Students will have consistent or
No Depressive Symptoms increased feelings of school connectedness
• 75% of Students will have consistent or • 85% of Students will have a trusted adult
improved emotional regulation in their lives
My mentor is the reason I come to school.”
I was fighting because I was mad, but talking
to my mentor helped me feel better.”
I don’t know how I could ever get upset while being in this
mentoring group. My mentor helps me with my emotions
like nobody has before.”