On August 9, the first day of school, the 85 new 6th grade students were welcomed by the 8th grade leadership class with a special gathering in the gym. This was an exciting way for them to spend their first 90 minutes as new middle school students.

The 8th grade students who are enrolled in the leadership class for this year serve as mentors to the 6th grade students for the duration of their first year in middle school. The emphasis on the welcome assembly was to help the 6th grade students get off to a good start by meeting other students, having some fun, and being motivated by some words of encouragement from the 8th grade students, who themselves had been welcomed by 8th grade mentors when they began middle school. The goal of this pay-it-forward style mentorship is to let each 6th grade student know that “They Belong Here,” “They Matter Here,” and “We Are Here To Help.”

The morning activities included a short inspirational message by Mr. Atkinson (school chaplain and leadership class teacher), introductions of their new principals Ms. Sevey and Ms. Kershner, as well as a chance to meet the 6th grade teachers. There were also fun group-building activities like the straw challenge, balloon bounce, and “What’s Your Favorite?” game. The morning concluded with a reminder that we are “Better Together” and to pull others up rather than pull them down.

The 8th grade students will continue to organize monthly gatherings for the 6th graders with lots of fun activities and small group discussions as they serve as their student mentors for the duration of the 2022-23 school year.