Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) is a middle school program designed to make incoming sixth-grade students feel confident as they embark on their middle school careers. This program trains mentors from the 8th-grade class to be WEB Leaders and serve as positive role models, helping new students discover ways to be successful. Since 2006, CY Middle School has utilized the WEB program to teach and model high expectations for academics and character through the mentorship of the WEB Leaders. Throughout the year, eighth-grade student mentors provide tips and strategies that have helped them become successful during their middle school journey while demonstrating high expectations and strong character.
8th-grade WEB Leader Henry Elston is enthusiastic about the program's positive impact on school culture and creating connections with peers, “I tell new students, “You’re going to do good. You’re going to do great because we have great teachers, great principals, great peers, and good students all around us. If you try hard every day and do your best, you’re going to do great.”
The 2024-2025 school year kicked off with enthusiasm as middle school orientation offered incoming 6th-grade Cyclones an exciting opportunity to tour the school, connect with their WEB Leaders, and learn important skills for success in middle school. The day began with fun icebreaker questions, after which students gathered into small groups for a series of engaging activities and games—this fun-filled day helped students form positive connections that will continue to develop throughout the school year. Tegan Shoemaker found support and confidence in the program as a new CYMS 6th grader and was excited to help others when she was chosen as an 8th grader leader, “When I came to CY for the first time and met my WEB leaders, they were so happy to help me, it really helped me get into the groove and feel like I knew what to do and where to go. Now, it is my turn to help others and make sure they have a great year.”
Working to establish productive habits, during a recent WEB Leader event, students discussed effective study habits by demonstrating the impact of working without distractions. Students participated in an activity where they completed word searches while loud music played or under tight time limits. They then completed another word search in a quiet environment with ample time, allowing them to compare their results. After sharing their effective study techniques, WEB Leaders encouraged the sixth graders to brainstorm additional strategies for succeeding with their homework.
As the first quarter of the school year concluded, WEB Leaders met with their sixth-grade groups to reflect on the start of the school year. Students celebrated their first-quarter successes, discussed effective strategies, and set goals to achieve this year as they continue to strive for academic excellence. Along with providing helpful resources and success tips for new 6th graders, there are plenty of opportunities for fun! Student Addison Graham enjoys the WEB program's many engagement activities: "It’s a lot of fun; I get to help the 6th graders. We get to meet up with them; we try to do that every quarter. It's a good way to make them feel at home. Being part of the program in 6th grade definitely gave me some confidence, knowing that someone was always there to help me and I wasn’t alone. I think this program helps with team building, helps everyone get along, and builds a fun school community.”
Throughout the school year, the WEB program will continue to provide Cyclones with opportunities to build connections, model exceptional character, and develop leadership skills. By celebrating excellence for all, the WEB program establishes a strong foundation for incoming 6th-grade Cyclones, ensuring their success and growth. Additionally, 8th graders have a year filled with opportunities to model and further build upon their public speaking skills, leadership abilities, and strong character as they prepare for their successful transition to high school.
Morgan Randals, 8th-grade WEB Leader, shared her excitement at being chosen as a leader, “I remember the program when I started CY as a 6th grader and how it helped me. It meant a lot to me to be chosen to be a WEB leader because I know I can be a good role model and help them be more comfortable coming into a new school. What I’ve learned in the WEB program is going to help me be successful in high school because I see myself as more confident. I know if I am nervous going into being a freshman, there will be people there who will want to help me the way we are helping here.”
CY Middle School is committed to implementing a high-quality curriculum with fidelity, teaching and modeling expectations for academics and character, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in all interactions, and providing a safe and healthy learning environment.