Last Friday, December 12, our Patriot Pals mentoring program officially kicked off with its first meeting, marking an exciting start to this leadership-focused initiative. Students came together during lunch to meet their Patriot Pals, share a meal, and begin building meaningful relationships. The group spent time getting to know one another, worked collaboratively to build gingerbread houses, and enjoyed playing together at recess. We would especially like to thank the Adams Central Schools Foundation for providing the Gingerbread House Kits for this event. Each year, this first meeting is intentionally held in the elementary building to provide a comfortable and familiar setting for our incoming 7th graders.
Patriot Pals is a mentoring program designed to support our 7th-grade students through positive peer connections. The program pairs second-semester 11th graders and 6th graders with younger students, placing them in an important leadership role within our school. Being a Patriot Pal is a responsibility that comes with high expectations, as these students serve as some of the first role models their mentees will have at ACHS.
All future Patriot Pal meetings during the spring semester will take place in the Jr./Sr. High building, helping ease the transition for incoming 7th graders as they become more familiar with the building, routines, and expectations. Patriot Pals commit to completing an interest survey, participating in scheduled activities, making weekly positive connections, and answering questions. This program plays an important role in building leadership, character, and strong relationships across our school community.