WEB Leaders
WEB, which stands for “Where Everybody Belongs” is a middle school orientation and transition program that welcomes 6th graders and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their middle school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program trains mentors from the 8th grade class to be WEB Leaders. As positive role models, WEB Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide the 6th graders to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to middle school and help facilitate 6th grade success.
More and more studies show that if students have a positive experience their first year in middle school, their chances for success increase dramatically. WEB provides the structure for 6th graders to receive support and guidance from 8th graders who have been through the challenges that middle school poses and understand that the transition to a larger school can sometimes be overwhelming.
WEB also acts as an anti-bullying program by providing a cadre of student leaders who look for bullying behavior and help stop it. WEB gives older students permission to be aware of and report any negative behavior they see, creating a safer school for everybody.
WEB is a yearlong transition program with four components that contribute to its success:
- Middle School Orientation - WEB Leaders and 6th graders start building the mentor relationship and receive information about how to be successful in middle school
- Academic Follow-Ups - WEB Leaders support 6th grade academic success and character development through classroom visits
- Social Follow Ups - WEB Leaders and 6th graders connect outside the classroom at social events to increase student engagement and promote positive school climate
- Leader Initiated Contacts - WEB Leaders connect with their 6th graders on a more individual basis