By Lisa Carolin
The first real taste of school for sixth-graders at Beach Middle School came at orientation on Aug. 29. It was an opportunity for the newcomers to get familiar with their new school and to learn the rules.
Not only did the sixth-graders meet some of their teachers, they also were given the wisdom and experience of the eighth-grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) leaders.
Incoming sixth-grader Elise Rosolowski summed it up. “The WEB leaders showed me how to get around the school, and it makes me more comfortable being in a new school.”
“This is an important transition year for the incoming sixth-graders,” said WEB coordinator Brian Boos. “WEB welcomes sixth-graders to Beach Middle School and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their Beach experience.”
Students assembled in the gymnasium to learn the ropes of the school and were then assigned into small groups with WEB leaders. They did activities which served as ice breakers and conversation starters.
“The goal of the small group is to build relationships,” said Boos. “The activities focus on learning each other’s names, playing fun team building games, learning strategies to be successful at Beach, and a fun-themed school tour.”
This is the seventh year of the WEB program, which includes close to 50 eighth-graders.
“When I was in sixth-grade, I couldn’t get my locker to open,” said Pedro Lops, a WEB leader. “It made me want to help other people who are new.”
“I really like helping kids,” said Web leader Brian Morgans. “Knowing you did something well gives you a warm feeling inside and makes me smile.”
“Eighth-grade WEB leaders will be role models for the sixth-graders in more ways than the coordinators and teachers at Beach will ever know,” said Boos. “Eighth-graders have been through the challenges that middle school poses, and they fully understand how the transition to a larger school can be overwhelming. WEB has a yearlong plan to build the relationships that begin with orientation.”
