Members of Partners for New Generations, a Los Altos Rotary group dedicated to providing guidance for at-risk students, recently conducted their second mentor-training session of the 2005-2006 school year at the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District office.

This meeting was a gathering of veteran mentors who shared their present and past experiences, accomplishment and problems in student mentoring.

The session provided an opportunity to answer questions about the organization:

1. How do you get your student to be punctual or even show up for an appointment?

That is what mentoring is all about - teaching respect and teaching scheduling skills. Your good example is the best means of teaching.

2. How do you spend time with your student mentee?

Several activities were offered depending on the student’s interests: Lunch, bike riding, photography, having coffee, shopping, going to the doctor or DMV, going on walks or to the movies.

3. What do you talk about?

You start by being a good listener. Ask lots of questions, but be sensitive to those who do not want to discuss their families.

Find out what they do in their spare time, what subjects they like or don’t like at school, do they work, etc.

4. What if I don’t think I’m having any effect?

This is a common concern amongst mentors. If your student is showing up at least part of the time, you are having an effect. If you really feel lost, talk to your mentor coordinator.

The next training session for new mentors is slated for Nov. 2. An update session for all mentors is set for Nov. 16.

The meetings are from noon to 1:30 p.m. and include lunch. They will be held at the district office, 1299 Bryant St., Mountain View.

If you are interested or have questions about becoming a mentor, call 948-0828, ext. 4, or e-mail partners@losaltosrotary.org.