The Code of Conduct below addresses mentors’ interactions with their mentees, specifically in the areas of safety and confidentiality. Our Code of Conduct clarifies the limits of the Garrett Mentors school-based lunchtime mentoring program and makes clear that any contact or interactions between mentors and mentees (and/or their families) that occurs outside of this is not a sanctioned part of the program. We acknowledge that many mentors have established or may establish relationships with mentees and their families and participate in activities with their mentees beyond the school day .These must be considered “on your own”. The Code of Conduct is intended to provide clear guidelines and boundaries for everyone’s protection. All mentors will be required to sign the Code of Conduct before mentoring can take place. Schools will be provided copies of the Code of Conduct as well. The Code of Conduct is below.

Garrett Mentors Code of Conduct
Mentors agree as follows:

1. Representation and Boundaries
Mentors shall not represent Garrett Mentors in any capacity outside of official Garrett Mentors business, as determined by Garrett Mentors in its sole discretion.
Garrett Mentors does not have access to parent contact information of students referred to, or participating in, the Garrett Mentors program. Mentors acknowledge that they will not have access to parent contact information per the school system regulation and policies.
Garrett Mentors is not liable for any interactions/contact between mentors and parents and mentors and mentees that occur outside of official Garrett Mentors business, as determined by Garrett Mentors in its sole discretion. Garrett Mentors does not engage in any communications whatsoever regarding interactions/contact between mentors and parents and mentors and mentees that occur outside of official Garrett Mentors business, as determined by Garrett Mentors in its sole discretion.

2. Respect for School Policies and Authorities
Mentors shall adhere to the GCPS school system policies of the school in which mentoring takes place.
Mentors shall not request or seek personal information that is protected under GCPS
confidentiality policies and the Garrett Mentors partnership, including, but not limited to, the following: information regarding a mentee’s family, background, or educational records. Garrett Mentors staff and board of directors cannot authorize, advise, provide permission, or assist with anything in conflict with the Code of Conduct.

3. Appropriate Relationships
Mentors should establish and maintain a meaningful relationship with their mentees based on friendship, trust, respect, consistency, and encouragement.
The mentoring relationship is limited to the assigned mentee only and does not extend to classmates or other family members.
Mentors shall not engage in any social media activities or communication with their mentee.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy
Mentors shall respect the privacy of their mentees and keep all personal information shared by the mentee confidential. Any concerns regarding such information shared shall be reported directly to school staff immediately without further involvement.

5. Professionalism and Conduct
Mentors shall serve as positive role models, demonstrating honesty, kindness, and integrity.
Mentors shall not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior. Mentors shall not engage in discussions or activities that could be considered inappropriate, offensive, or harmful to the mentee.

Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the mentoring program.

Garrett County Public Schools require all mentors to participate in their background check and fingerprinting process. Previous or outside background checks will not be accepted. The volunteer mentor will be provided with contact information for scheduling their background check by Garrett Mentors. The application process will not advance until the background check and fingerprinting is complete and the mentor has been approved.

If you are a current or former employee of GCPS and believe you are already approved through their system, please let us know in the additional comment space at the bottom of this form.