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Quabbin students present “Cohort Success” peer‑mentoring program to school committee
Summary
Student volunteers described a three‑day, mentor‑led program aimed at easing the transition into middle‑high school, emphasizing bullying prevention, friendship and a culminating field day.
Quabbin Regional School District student volunteers presented a follow‑up on “Cohort Success,” a three‑day peer‑mentoring series for incoming sixth‑graders, to the school committee at its May 8 meeting.
The students told the committee the program pairs sixth‑grade students with high‑school mentors for leadership activities, bullying‑prevention lessons and teamwork exercises, and ends with a field day intended to reinforce the lessons in a low‑stakes setting. Committee members and staff described the program as a year‑long effort to smooth the transition into middle‑high school and to create cross‑age connections.
Student volunteers said the program’s three days are spaced through the year. One of the presenters summarized the sequence: an October session focused on bullying prevention, a second day on friendship and teamwork, and a later field day that mixes cohorts and encourages group participation. The presenters explained that small mixed groups and name tags help sixth‑grade students put faces to names and practice being active bystanders.
A sixth‑grade participant said the program helped them meet students outside their usual class groups and made them more comfortable engaging with older students. “I thought that it was really fun, and I think that when we did it the time, it helped me meet some new people,” the student said.
Superintendent and committee members asked about continuity and sustainability. Committee member Dr. Allen asked whether any program participants had already become high‑school volunteers; students said the first cohort is still in middle school and that they hope future cohorts will supply volunteer leaders. Presenters also said they plan handoffs with building leaders to make the program sustainable after the current senior volunteers graduate.
Student presenters described practical supports used in the sessions: name tags; small, mixed‑grade groups; facilitator guides for high‑school volunteers; and short videos and worksheets for bullying prevention. Teachers and administrators said they intend to solicit grader feedback to refine future sessions and noted teacher volunteers meet monthly with high‑school mentors to coordinate plans.
The committee thanked the students and encouraged them to document materials and schedules so the program can continue in future years.
