Check and Connect:
A Student Engagement Intervention
Bridging Connections, Supporting Students
BPS Connect is dedicated to supporting students in our district who may be at risk of disengaging from school. Powered by the University of Minnesota’s evidence-based Check & Connect model, our program pairs students with a dedicated, caring mentor from our school or local community.
Every week, these mentors meet one-on-one with students to review attendance, grades, and behavior, while providing a safe, supportive space to talk about whatever is on the student's mind. While mentors are not licensed counselors, they serve as a consistent, non-judgmental ally who helps students navigate challenges, lead by example, and build vital problem-solving skills. Check & Connect is a scientifically proven intervention designed to boost school engagement and increase graduation rates.
The Check & Connect system works through a two-part framework that blends data tracking with personal relationship building.
1. The "Check" Component
Mentors regularly monitor data that the school already collects. They look for subtle changes in a student's daily patterns to catch potential challenges early. This tracking focuses on:
Attendance: Monitoring tardiness, skipped classes, and full-day absences.
Behavior: Reviewing classroom behavior referrals, detentions, or suspensions.
Grades: Tracking missing assignments, test scores, and credit accrual.
2. The "Connect" Component
When data shows a student needs extra support, the mentor steps in with direct, personalized intervention.
The mentor meets with the student weekly to discuss their attendance, behavior, and grades and guides the student through goal setting to help them succeed. Together, they discuss the importance of school and practice basic problem-solving skills.
Warning Signs for Parents to Watch For
Disengagement from school rarely happens overnight. It is usually a gradual process. Parents should be aware of the following signs that a student may be pulling away from their education:
Behavioral Shifts
Expressing a strong desire to stay home or frequently complaining of minor ailments (like stomach aches or headaches) on school mornings.
A sudden drop in grades or an increase in missing homework assignments.
Skipping classes or arriving late to school consistently.
Emotional and Social Changes
Showing a lack of interest in school activities, sports, or friends.
Exhibiting increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal when talking about school.
Speaking negatively about teachers, peers, or the value of education.
How Parents Can Support Their Student
The Check & Connect system is most effective when school staff and parents work as a team. You can support your student's engagement by reinforcing these habits at home:
Partner with the Mentor
Maintain open communication: Treat your child’s mentor as an ally. Share updates about changes at home that might impact your child's mood or focus.
Attend meetings: Participate in school check-ins or phone calls with your student’s mentor to review your child's progress and celebrate their growth.
Establish Strong Routines
Prioritize attendance: Emphasize that going to school every day, on time, is non-negotiable unless they are truly sick.
Create a study space: Set up a quiet, distraction-free area for homework and establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Talk Openly About School
Ask specific questions: Instead of asking "How was your day?", try asking "What was the most interesting thing you learned today?" or "What challenged you today?"
Focus on problem-solving: When your child faces an academic or social hurdle, help them brainstorm solutions rather than immediately fixing the problem for them. This builds the autonomy they need to succeed.
If you would like to know more about how your student can be paired with a mentor, please contact your school counseling office or administrator.
Make a Lasting Impact: Become a Check & Connect Mentor
Are you looking for a meaningful way to support youth in our community? Our schools are seeking dedicated, compassionate individuals to join our Check & Connect program as student mentors.
By committing just a small amount of time each week, you can become the vital link that keeps a student engaged, motivated, and on the path to graduation.
What is a Check & Connect Mentor?
A mentor is an advocate, a motivator, and a reliable ally. In the Check & Connect system, mentors are paired with students who are showing early signs of disengagement—such as rising absences, dropping grades, or behavioral challenges.
As a mentor, you do not replace teachers, parents or counselors. Instead, you offer the consistent, one-on-one attention a student needs to navigate obstacles and rediscover their potential.
Core Responsibilities
The "Check": Review regular updates on your mentee’s attendance, behavior, and academic progress to set goals (provided by the school support team).
The "Connect": Meet weekly with your student on campus to build a relationship, discuss their goals, and celebrate their wins.
Problem-Solving: Help your student develop practical skills, from organizing their schoolwork to navigating conflicts with peers or teachers.
Partnering: Work collaboratively with school staff and families to ensure the student has a strong support network.
Who Can Mentor?
We are looking for individuals from all walks of life. You do not need a background in education to be an incredible mentor. We welcome parents, community members, local professionals, and college students.
Ideal Attributes & Requirements
Consistency: The single most important trait of a mentor is showing up when you say you will.
Active Listening: A willingness to listen without judgment and see things from a student's perspective.
Patience and Empathy: Understanding that behavioral or academic shifts take time and steady encouragement.
Time Commitment: Mentors invest 30 minutes to 1 hour per week with their student.
Long-Term Relationship: To achieve the best possible results and build a strong foundation of trust, we look for mentors who can commit to their student for two years.
Why Become a Mentor?
See Tangible Results: Watch your mentee’s confidence grow, their attendance improve, and their grades lift over time.
Full Training & Support: You will never be left to figure it out alone. Every mentor receives comprehensive training on the Check & Connect framework, active listening, and school resources.
Flexible Scheduling: Weekly student check-ins take less than an hour on campus, making it easy to fit into a lunch break or a flexible work schedule.
Ready to Make a Difference?
The students in our community need champions like you. Taking the first step is simple:
Submit an Interest Form: Connect with our coordinator to share your interest and background.
Brief Screening & Background Check: To ensure student safety, all mentors must undergo a fingerprint background check and interview.
Attend Training: Participate in our brief orientation session to learn the framework and meet the support team. (Next Training Date: November 3rd, 2026)
For more information about the program, requirements or how to get started, please reach out to:
