WEB Leaders Help New Friendly Hills Students with Transition

WEB, which stands for “Where Everybody Belongs,” is a nationally recognized middle school orientation, transition, and mentoring program. WEB involves eighth-grade students trained as leaders and mentors to help welcome and develop positive friendships with our new fifth-grade students. As students start the school year, WEB Leaders are at the forefront of the welcoming committee, ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging. This mentoring relationship includes helping younger students learn skills that will help them be successful in their new environment. "Watching the WEB Leaders help the fifth graders during orientation is just the best,” says Shannon Guscetti, who leads the WEB Leaders at Friendly Hills.

“The fifth graders come in nervous, but by the time they leave, everyone is energized, and you can tell they feel like they are already part of the Friendly Hills community!”

This support is critical because research shows that a positive first-year experience in middle school helps to increase students’ chances of success in the following years. “WEB also acts as an anti-bullying program by empowering student leaders to recognize negative behaviors, intervene, and report to help create a safe and welcoming school,” Shannon shared.