Freshman  Mentorship program

Welcome to your freshman year! My role is to help you successfully transition into high school. Whether you have questions about classes, grades, attendance, school activities, or simply need someone to talk to, I'm here to support you throughout the year! 

Purpose of Mentoring

As your freshman mentor, I will:

• Meet with you regularly throughout the school year.

• Monitor your academic progress.

• Help you set and achieve personal and academic goals.

• Connect you with school resources when needed.

• Celebrate your successes and help you work through all types of challenges you encounter throughout the school year!

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Attend scheduled mentor meetings or answer my emails in a timely manner.

• Arrive on time and participate respectfully.

• Communicate honestly about any concerns or questions.

• Take responsibility for following through on action plans. If you’re failing a class, we can help you! This may even mean tutoring! We have wonderful teachers here that want to see you succeed! If we help you with setting up tutoring or help with a problem, please follow through with it! We are on your side. 

Topics We'll Discuss

Throughout the year we may cover:

• Academic progress

• Attendance

• Organization and study skills

• Time management

• Career and college planning

• School involvement

• Personal goal setting

• Social and emotional well-being

• Preparing for sophomore year

Communication

If you need to meet outside of our scheduled check-ins, you are welcome to:

• Stop by my office/band room

• Send me an email.

• Ask a teacher to help arrange a meeting!

Mr. McDonald’s Commitment to his students:

I promise to:

• Listen without judgment.

• Treat every student with respect.

• Encourage and support your growth.

• Help you find solutions to challenges.

• Be someone you can count on throughout your freshman year.

Additional Meetings

Students are welcome to request additional meetings at any time. Extra check-ins may also be scheduled if additional academic or personal support is needed.

A message from Mr. McDonald: 

Please feel free to check in with me anytime you need support. My goal is for every freshman to feel comfortable coming to me with questions or  concerns. As a proud alumnus of Smith County High School, I understand that freshman year can feel exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. I remember what it was like to be in your shoes, and I want you to know that you are not alone. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, encourage your growth, and help you succeed throughout your first year of high school. Welcome to Smith County High School! I am excited to get to know each of you and look forward to helping you make this a successful and memorable freshman year.

Best Regards, 

Les McDonald, Ed.S.
Director of Music | Fine Arts Chair
Smith County High School