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Where Everyone Belongs (WEB)

What is WEB?

WEB logo

WEB, which stands for "Where Everybody Belongs," is a middle school orientation and transition program that welcomes 7th 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 our 8th 8th-grade class to be WEB Leaders. As positive role models, WEB Leaders serve as mentors and student leaders, guiding 7th graders in discovering the qualities necessary for success during the transition to middle school and facilitating the success of 7th graders.

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 7th 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 identify and help stop bullying behavior. 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 7th graders start building the mentor relationship and receive information about how to be successful in middle school.
     
  • Academic Follow Ups - WEB Leaders support 7th-grade academic success and character development through classroom visits.
     
  • Social Follow Ups - WEB Leaders and 7th 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 7th graders on a more individual basis.

The goal of WEB is to provide a structure in which students make real connections with each other, thus increasing school safety and reducing the incidence of bullying. Through this program, students learn that people at school care about them and their success.

The WEB program is through the Boomerang Project.

How Does an 8th Grader Become a WEB Leader?

In the spring, all 7th-grade students receive announcements about how to become an 8th-grade WEB Leader. They are encouraged to attend an interest meeting to learn about the role of a WEB Leader, the application process, and the training required.

After submitting an application, students will participate in an interview with the WEB advisors. Teacher, counselor, and administrator input is also considered during the selection process.

Selected students commit to a two-day training in early August, where they prepare to welcome the new 7th-grade class and support them throughout the school year.