With DCS sixth grade students making the move up to the Junior-Senior High School building this year, the district is taking extra measures to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
HS math teacher Kristina Crane and HS English teacher Laura Hopkins are launching the WEB Program (Where Everybody Belongs), with the support of Superintendent of Schools Kim Ross, Jr.-Sr. HS Principal Jodi Marvin and newly appointed Jr.-Sr. HS Dean of Students, Kendra Shedina.
WEB is a nationwide initiative adopted by thousands of school districts across the United States. Its goal is to help students transition into middle school by providing a supportive environment and a built-in network of friendly faces from day one.
“Sixth grade is a significant time of transition, and having a mentor who has already navigated the challenges of starting at a new school can make a meaningful difference,” said co-advisor Laura Hopkins. “The WEB experience ensures students feel seen, heard, and supported as they adjust to these changes. It’s about building community, creating friendships, and helping new students feel like they belong.”
Current eighth-grade students at DCS serve as WEB Leaders, ready to mentor and guide sixth graders as they begin their middle school journey. Co-advisor Kristina Crane shared that the program currently has 13 WEB Leaders for its inaugural year.
“Eighth-grade students had to apply for the position and take part in an interview with a selection committee,” Crane said. “They were asked a series of questions about why they wanted to participate and what qualities made them strong candidates. We were really looking for students who are kind, welcoming, and eager to support others.”
Jr.-Sr. High School Principal Jodi Marvin praised the WEB Program for its potential to make a meaningful impact on the youngest learners in the building.
“The WEB Program has the potential to be truly influential in helping our sixth graders transition into the high school setting this year,” she said. “What I love most about the program is that it actively engages our older students in a way that empowers them as well, giving them the opportunity to serve as role models for their peers. With students of all ages working together, I’m hopeful this program will have a lasting, positive impact on the overall culture of our building for years to come.”
The WEB Program is open to all sixth-grade students interested in participating. Over the summer, eighth-grade WEB Leaders sent personalized emails to every incoming sixth grader, inviting them to an on-campus orientation held last week. The event kicked off with a warm welcome featuring handmade posters, cheers, music, and dancing. Afterwards, students broke into small group workshops to get to know one another and begin building connections.
WEB Leaders are currently preparing strategies for the first day of school (September 4) and beyond, with the goal of easing any anxiety or uncertainty sixth-grade students may have about the year ahead. Stay tuned for updates on the group’s progress throughout the school year.
