Walled Lake launches WEB mentorship in middle schools to help sixth graders transition

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools presented its first‑year implementation of WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), a middle‑school mentorship program designed to ease students' transition into middle school by connecting incoming sixth graders with trained eighth‑grade leaders.

"This program is designed to help support our incoming sixth grade students as they transition to middle school by connecting them with eighth with trained eighth grade student leaders who serve as mentors and role models," Principal Nao Maktari said. Teacher leaders Jessica Golab and Casey Stasse described the recruitment and multi‑day training process for WEB leaders, a spring "day of play," and the summer orientation where leaders prepare activities and form student groups.

Presenters said the process includes applications (teacher feedback and interviews are used to select leaders), a three‑day coordinator training with follow‑up materials and a database of lesson plans, and planned follow‑up activities throughout the year so the program is not a one‑time event. Golab explained the program aims to reduce bullying and increase student belonging by offering eighth graders a structured leadership role and by giving sixth graders peer supports before school begins.

Board members asked how participation is assigned. A presenter said every sixth grader is assigned a WEB leader; if a student does not attend orientation, the school assigns a leader to ensure the student has a consistent point of contact for the year. Presenters and administrators said they hope to expand quarterly WEB events, participation in assemblies and ongoing social follow‑ups.

The presentation named participating schools and coordinators and described student‑driven ideas for activities such as scavenger hunts, a fall field day and a "web Olympics." Administrators framed the program as part of wider efforts to build school culture, student leadership and positive peer influence.