Kirkwood students urge peer-mentoring, online resources and extended orientation to ease high-school transition

Two Kirkwood High School students representing an AP Language & Composition class presented a student-led proposal during public comment asking the board to expand programs that help middle-school students transition to high school.

Shilo Byers and Bridal Cowell said their class project required identifying a local problem and trying to solve it. They told the board that many incoming students feel unprepared for the social and logistical realities of high school and that a single orientation day and occasional middle-school presentations are insufficient.

"Whether students are coming from private or public schools...lots of them are left confused about the electives they can take, clubs they can join, sports they can try out for," Bridal Cowell said. The students proposed three steps: (1) a peer-buddy program pairing middle-school students with high-school students who are active in specific electives or activities; (2) an on-demand resource hosted on Schoology, developed by students and staff, to introduce parts of the high school; and (3) a week-long summer orientation where incoming students could meet teachers and peers and, where helpful, allow students with special needs more time to acclimate.

The students credited their teacher, Mr. Roland, for supporting project-based learning and asked the board for help turning the ideas into programs or pilot opportunities.

Ending: The board thanked the students for participating and for offering concrete proposals; members indicated willingness to consider the ideas and to follow up by email or future agenda items if the board decides to pursue pilots or a timeline for student-facing orientation improvements.