About Us
OUR HISTORY
Bear Connections is a Winter Springs High School mentoring program established in 2014 by Principal Dr. Mickey Reynolds to support at-risk, incoming freshman as they navigate their way through high school. Dr. Reynolds appointed parent and PTSA member Laura Grant to coordinate the program. Laura Grant recruited Tiffany Wieder to help create the program-specific documents.
In its first year, Bear Connections was the recipient of the Florida Department of Education’s Community Engagement award. Program coordinator, Laura Grant received the WSHS volunteer of the Year award as well as the Seminole County Volunteer of the Year award. Additionally, the City of Winter Springs recognized Bear Connections with a Mayoral Proclamation.
Currently, Bear Connections is under the guidance of current Winter Springs Principal Pete Gaffney, Assistant Principal Kristi Draus, and directed by PTSA board members, Dana Lawrence and Denise Hernandez. Bear Connections is implemented under the mentoring guidelines established by Seminole County Public Schools Foundation Community Involvement Manager, Misa Mills.
OUR MENTEES
Bear Connections envisions a program in which every student experiences a nurturing one-to-one relationship whose support will allow each to develop into their full potential, capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of the school and the community.
Students who have failed below a 2.0 grade point average in middle school and or scored a level one on Florida's 8th grade ELA and/or mathematics standardized test are "at-risk" and become candidates for a Bear Connections mentor match when those students become ninth graders.
Since its inception, Bear Connections has provided mentors to over 250 youth. Currently, trained, peer counselors, WSHS teachers and community members mentor students in the Bear Academy with a few students being mentored as a result of guidance or parent requests.
START SOMETHING AND BECOME SOMEONE'S MENTOR TODAY!
Bear Connections is funded by generous donations of parents, community members and local businesses invested in our youth. All donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to PTSA and mailed to Winter Springs High. Thank you to our Bear Connections Sponsors
