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Faculty and staff at Sumner Elementary know the effect positive male influences can have on their students' lives.

"Many of our young male students are at risk to succumb to pressures, such as gangs and violence," said Yvetta Grier, social worker at Sumner.

Grier said many of these youths come from single-parent homes where the mother is the only parental figure.

Principal Brian Clarida decided to launch a male mentoring program in early October to give students the opportunity to interact with a positive adult male.

"The reason for a focus on male students is because we find, based on what we see at Sumner, some male students tend to get into more trouble and do not complete homework," Grier said.

About 20 mentors have agreed to volunteer and "adopt" a student, Grier said.

"So far, it's been great," she said. "It's amazing how quickly the students have bonded with their mentors and the mentors love the flexibility of the program."

Grier said they would love to have more mentors willing to have breakfast or lunch with a student, visit the student once per week in the classroom for 30 minutes, read books with them and e-mail them through a school e-mail address, with parents' permission, to keep in touch.

The program had a kick-off celebration Oct. 23 with Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson as a guest.

"She encouraged the students to be open to connecting with the mentors and also asked that mentors see the experience as a positive influence in their own lives," Grier said.

For information about becoming a mentor at Sumner, contact Clarida at 316-5888.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244, or adria.hairston@news-record.com