How the WEB Program Transforms Middle School Transitions

The "Where Everyone Belongs" (WEB) program serves as a vital source of guidance and assistance for middle school students, especially those navigating the transition from elementary school to middle school. At its core, WEB is a peer-mentoring program that fosters a welcoming environment where every grade 6 student truly feels they belong. This program is not just about a beginning-of-the-year orientation; it's a year-long journey of connection and growth.

We are proud to have restarted the WEB program here at our school this year. On August 29th, we had over 180 new grade 6 students come to our school in the morning to participate in activities with 46 grade 8 students, which made them feel welcome and built a connection to their new middle school. The 8th-grade WEB leaders spent two full days training to guide their younger peers in the last week of August. The grade 8 leaders shone as they took accountability for their role in shaping a positive middle school experience for the newcomers.

The program's values include Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Empathy, Courage, and Service. These values are not mere words but are the pillars upon which the school community stands. Respect is shown through self-discipline, and courtesy of Integrity is the silent promise of honesty that resonates in the actions consistent with the school's beliefs. Empathy is the shared understanding and sensitivity towards the experiences of the 6th and 7th graders, ensuring no one feels isolated or overwhelmed. Courage is the strength students display when facing the unknown terrains of middle school life. Lastly, Service is the commitment of time, effort, and resources by the WEB leaders to enrich the lives of their mentees.

The WEB program at Eugene Reimer Middle School is more than a transition program; it's a transformative experience that aligns with the Abbotsford City of Character virtues, creating better students and citizens for tomorrow. It's a testament to the power of student-led initiatives in building a positive school culture that echoes beyond the school walls, fostering academic success and character development in unison. The WEB program's success lies in its ability to create real connections among students, ensuring that the middle school journey is embarked upon with confidence and support.

DEAN JOHNSTON, PRINCIPAL
Eugene Reimer Middle School