During a recent government meeting, educators from Forest Lake Middle School highlighted the importance of student connectedness and community in fostering academic success. The discussion centered around the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program, which has been instrumental in helping new students transition into middle school since its inception in 2009.

Jennifer Kovash and Sally Ann Reynolds, WEB leaders, emphasized that when students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to thrive academically. The program pairs 8th-grade WEB leaders with incoming 7th graders, facilitating a welcoming environment through activities that promote emotional safety and connection. This year, the program saw a significant increase in participation, with 108 8th graders serving as WEB leaders, representing one in every five students in that grade.

The educators described the structure of the program, which includes large group assemblies followed by smaller group activities, allowing new students to build relationships with their WEB leaders. They noted the diversity among the WEB leaders, which helps incoming students see themselves reflected in their mentors, further enhancing the sense of belonging.

Reynolds and Kovash also shared that the WEB program continued to operate during the pandemic, adapting activities to ensure students could still connect and learn each other's names on the first day of school. They highlighted the ongoing feedback from teachers and the positive impact of the WEB leaders on the school community.

In addition to orientation, the WEB program includes year-long training for leaders and various activities throughout the school year, such as the Courage Retreat, which focuses on anti-bullying and fostering a sense of belonging. The WEB leaders also assist with events like the 6th-grade track and field day, helping to bridge connections between elementary and middle school students.

The meeting underscored the critical role of programs like WEB in creating a supportive school environment, ultimately contributing to the academic and social success of students at Forest Lake Middle School.