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Centennial SD education committee backs 'Everyone Belongs' sixth‑grade transition pilot
Summary
Committee approved forwarding a low‑cost, student‑led transition program for rising sixth graders that relies mainly on transportation support, training of rising eighth‑grade leaders and minimal district funds.
The Centennial School District education committee recommended sending a pilot program titled “Everyone Belongs” — a summer orientation and in‑year mentorship program for incoming sixth graders — to the full board for approval. The program emphasizes peer leadership from rising eighth graders, one‑day summer orientations for new sixth graders and ongoing mentorship through the school year.
Administrators argued the initiative is low cost and aims to improve middle‑school transitions at minimal district expense, with the principal direct ask being transportation for the summer orientation day. The committee’s vote to forward the item to the board was 3‑0.
Mister Golder, who presented the program for both middle schools, described it as a two‑part effort: training rising eighth graders over two to three days in late August to serve as peer leaders, and inviting incoming sixth graders for a half‑day orientation the week before school starts. “One of the things that we wanted to do was make those students feel more welcome upon arrival,” Golder said, explaining the format and goals.
Staff said the program does not require the district to purchase a curriculum; the work would be implemented by existing teachers and clubs. Primary costs discussed were transportation and modest staffing coverage for training days. Presenters proposed multiple ways to minimize cost, including parent drop‑off options, student council fundraising to cover small expenses, and leveraging existing club stipends. Administrators also suggested running a short survey to estimate participation and transportation needs before locking in final costs.
The presenters cited research and local data showing that middle‑school transition can affect student performance, and said the program is intended to reduce that drop. The pilot would begin with the upcoming summer orientation (tentatively August 21) and continue through the school year as a mentorship and climate‑improvement program led by student leaders.
Committee members expressed support for the concept and asked staff to provide projected transportation costs once participation estimates are available. The committee then voted 3‑0 to forward the Everyone Belongs pilot to the full board for consideration at its next meeting.
