Kelsey Quesada, a third‑grade teacher at Stratton, and high school student mentors presented a year‑long Stratton mentorship program to the Arlington School Committee March 13, describing weekly pairings between high school mentors and Stratton third‑ and fourth‑grade mentees and asking for support to expand the program.

Quesada said the program, launched in 2022 and expanded this year, pairs about 10 high‑school mentors with Stratton students for weekly meetings that focus on social connection and skill building. Mentors earn community service hours and — in some cases — self‑transport to Stratton. Students and families reported positive outcomes: Whitney Caicos, a parent and caregiver, said her third‑grade son Owen has become more engaged and “looks forward to those days.” Dean of Students Rob DeLoretta said the program aligns with district goals to foster student growth and community connection.

Student mentors described the program’s benefit for both mentees and mentors. Akhil Merchant, a high‑school senior, said the relationship helped him develop communication and empathy and that continuing cross‑age connections provides formative experience for students considering education careers. Junior mentors Ella Erwin and Ray Posner said mentees eagerly anticipated visits and that the program has strengthened their leadership skills.

Quesada asked to expand the pilot to four elementary schools in 2025–26 (adding Dallin, Pierce and Brackett to Stratton) and proposed seeking a stipend for a coordinator and modest materials funding. She described plans to pursue formal internship credit for high‑school participants and to include more training for mentors. Committee members praised the program’s outcomes and discussed funding sources; the superintendent and the deputy town manager said the initial expansion could be supported with a modest stipend and that transportation costs would be a consideration if the program grows.

There was no formal spending vote; committee members recommended working with staff to develop a stipend proposal and logistics for a broader rollout.