dlyon  Jan 7 2005 - 8:30am  Local News   

By GAIL ELLEN DALY
Chronicle Staff Writer
WINDHAM — With 60 students from three schools taking part in the mentoring program, the Windham Public Schools recently received the 2004 Nutmeg Big Brother/Big Sisters Community Award.
“The award recognizes the strong partnership between our northeast region office and this progressive school system,” said Big Brothers marketing director Brian Kelly.
Windham board of education chairman Ken Folan and Superintendent Paul Perzanoski accepted the award at the organization’s annual meeting Dec. 20.
Kelly said, just a few years ago, only 10 students at one school took part in the program.
“Now 60 kids at three schools are helped with their academic work and receive assistance with character and leadership development from the mentors,” he said. “They are learning how to effectively channel their great potential.”
According to Folan, this is not a traditional Big Brothers/Big Sisters program but is site-based. Here, mentors come to the schools to work with the students on a one-on-one basis.
“Kids at Windham Middle School, Windham Center School and Sweeney School are currently involved,” Folan said, “but we are looking to expand the program to other schools.”
The nonprofit organization would like to reach 100 students, which, Folan pointed out, is an easy target number to reach.
“I know there’s a need at North Windham School,” he said.
Mentors are volunteers, many of whom are either University of Connecticut or Eastern Connecticut State University students, Folan noted.