Sussex Consortium and Mariner peer mentoring program launched

As part of her doctorate dissertation research, Sussex Consortium teacher Kelly Lehman launched a peer-to-peer initiative with Mariner Middle School in January.

The program’s purpose is to explore interaction between students in the Sussex Consortium program and their neurotypical peers within a small-group setting. Since its inception, the initiative has already yielded significant improvements in SC students’ confidence and comfort when engaging with neurotypical peers.

“The peer-to-peer initiative is a mentoring program designed to explore the idea that increased interaction between students in the SC program and their neurotypical peers within small-group settings can enhance social skills for all participants,” said Lehman. “As part of this initiative, neurotypical peers join the SC classroom once a week during the students’ advisory period. During these sessions, students collaborate on lessons, engage in group activities and interact in a relaxed setting. Additionally, once a month, peer mentors participate alongside SC students in a speech/healthy relationships lesson, serving as role models and fostering social development.”

To further enhance the social skills naturally cultivated through this program, opportunities for real-world experiences outside the school setting are provided. Students take part in community outings, swim sessions at the consortium and life skills training in the Mariner Middle School apartment classroom, where they practice cooking and cleaning activities. These experiences offer valuable social interactions that may not typically occur within the school environment. SC students gain hands-on experience applying life skills within their community, supported and guided by peer mentors rather than relying solely on staff members.

“This program has created a unique and wonderful opportunity for our students in our consortium programs to connect with their neurotypical classmates on a variety of levels,” said Dr. Eileen Baker, supervisor of inclusive education. “Not only are they fostering a connection from an academic perspective, but they are also establishing friendships with each other. The social and emotional link is an imperative piece in preparing all students for a successful future. We also are so appreciative to our community organizations and their owners, like Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, for providing this opportunity to our students.”

Most recently, students participating in the initiative had the opportunity to visit Auntie Anne’s in Rehoboth Beach. Ahmed, the store owner, who is also a parent to students at Rehoboth Elementary, welcomed the opportunity for the students to visit and learn how to make pretzels, generously offering his services free of charge.

“On Feb. 5, paraeducators Connie Heck, Jackie Meredith and I accompanied a group of four SC students and two MMS students to Auntie Anne’s,” said Lehman. “Mr. Ahmed and his staff provided an incredibly warm and inclusive environment, offering individual support and even hands-on assistance for students who required additional guidance. Their patience and kindness left a lasting impression on us all.”

Two weeks later, the class returned to Auntie Anne’s to personally express their gratitude by presenting Ahmed with thank-you cards and a photo taken during the visit.

Lehman said, “Our intention was simply to drop off the thank-you cards and briefly convey our thanks. However, to our surprise, Mr. Ahmed invited us to stay and learn how to make smoothies.” Once again, Ahmed worked one-on-one with each student, providing step-by-step instruction and oversight. Lehman said his generosity and dedication to the students created an unforgettable experience, and students and staff remain deeply grateful.

Community organizations or businesses that want to learn more may contact Kelly Lehman at kelly.lehman@cape.k12.de.us.