GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Pick any class at Royal Spring Middle School in Scott County during 4th hour and you will find one-on-one mentoring sessions taking place.

It’s called WIN hour, which is an acronym for “What I Need.” With it, the school intentionally sets aside time for student-teacher mentoring.

The kids take turns getting to talk to their 4th hour teachers. They each get their individual time every few weeks. On this particular Wednesday, you can find Mrs. Beckett talking with 6th grade student, Myles Howard.

She opened up his file on the computer, so they could discuss how he was doing in different subject areas. She then helped him evaluate where he is now, and set goals he would like to meet come next time for a test.

“I meet with Ms. Beckett with my grades, my behavior, how I’ve improved, things I need to work on and stuff like that,” said Howard.

While that is where the conversations begin, the mentoring time is about so much more than that.

Mrs. Beckett said she really tries to find common ground with each of her students. This time allows her to get to know them, not just as students, but as humans.

“Having that extra time that we dedicate here in our schedule, it’s allowed me to form deeper relationships with them,” said Mrs. Beckett.

Myles said he loves to talk to Mrs. Beckett about sports. Her step son plays basketball at Royal Spring Middle, just like Myles does. Seeing her take interest in his passions means a lot to this future NBA hopeful.

That connection helps him feel comfortable coming to her if he were to ever have a problem.

“It gives me a sense of comfortability and safety and I know that I can go to my mentor teacher if I need anything,” Howard said.

Counselor Lindsey Smith said it means so much when students have adults they can trust in the building. While teachers spend the WIN hour mentoring, she invites students into her office for small group sessions on a variety of topics ranging from coping with anxiety to building leadership skills.

“If a student brings up a concern or something they would like to learn about like leadership with Myles, that teacher can reach out to me and say, ‘Hey, this student would benefit from a group on anxiety or anger or leadership,’” said Smith.

There are three pillars of the school, as shown on banners when students walk in. One of them is relationships.

Principal Amanda Wands said the need for relationships was emphasized during the pandemic.

“This time is more important than ever to have those relationships and focus on what the needs are. To have a dedicated WIN time is really impactful for their education,” said Wands.

Mrs. Beckett has found that to be the case, as well.

“For me, it’s been the biggest game-changer in my instruction as far as programs I’ve implemented in my classroom,” said Beckett.

She’s been an educator for 13 years now, so to call it a game-changer means a lot to her. Since the start of WIN time, she has noticed an improvement in behaviors and grades among her students. 

With mentors who uplift and encourage, anything is possible for these students in the future.