LEBANON — Lebanon High School has found the TEAM concept to be a winner.

        Now in its fourth year, TEAM (Teachers as Educational Advisers and Mentors) pairs teachers with students throughout their four years in high school. Teachers not only serve as resource persons on academic matters but also counsel students on personal or social problems.

        “I think it's an excellent program, a real asset,” said Anne Rolfes, a home economics teacher who is a team leader to 25 students. “This is for the kids, about the kids, to help them along in high school and beyond high school.”

        Mrs. Rolfes said the program develops important relationships between teachers and students.

        “Being with one teacher for four years, they become more of a friend and mentor,” said senior Aaron Perry. “You feel comfortable with them.”

        Senior Tina Smith, who is teamed up with Mrs. Rolfes, said: “She's very understanding. If you need something, she will be there.”

        Debbie Bryant, who helped initiate the program at the school after attending a workshop at the Warren County Career Center said teachers also help students with specific objectives throughout high school.

        During the freshman year, teachers advise students on how to develop good study habits and build self-esteem, while in the sophomore year, teachers focus on career planning. The junior year is focused on advising students how to choose a college, applying for aid or scholarships, and the senior year emphasizes finances and life skills, such as how to dress and conduct themselves in job interviews.

        Teachers meet with the students once a week during the school day, but team leaders said they are available anytime if a student needs help. Students and teachers also work together on special projects, from blood drives to sewing Christmas stockings to be delivered to area nursing homes.

        Miss Bryant said each student at the school has a teacher as a team leader, adding that one teacher may have as many as 20 to 25 students.

        “Teachers will change, counselors will change, but the team leader remains constant,” said Christine Duff, a math instructor at the school.

        Senior Ashlie Quakenbush says team leaders can give better advice to students on academic matters because they have spent more time with a particular student than other teachers or counselors.

        “You can go talk to her about things not related to school and she would listen,” said senior Charlie Rittgers about his team leader Bethanie Landis.

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