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Starpoint Middle School embraces student-to-student mentorship program

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With the school year quickly approaching and orientations underway, preparation is key and at Starpoint Middle School they’ve taken a different approach.

For the past 8 years, Starpoint Middle has incorporated an internationally used program called WEB into their academic community.

WEB, which stands for, “Where Everyone Belongs,” is a part of the BoomerangProjectand is a school-based program built on the premise of students helping students.

This year, 43 8th graders were hand-picked out of over 100 applicants to be WEB leaders through after a rigorous interview and application process that started when they were 7th graders.

Under the guidance of four certified WEB trainers, all of whom are teachers at the middle school, these leaders train and prepare to guide over 200 6th graders through the challenges and transitions of being a middle schooler in an effort to help them succeed.

“Teachers have seen the difference, parents have seen the difference, students, the community. Over the past 8 years the environment here has really changed and it’s great to see these students helping one another, everyone benefits,” Chris Johnson, one of the WEB trainers said.

As part of the program, two WEB leaders are matched with 10 6th graders. Throughout the course of the academic year they'll meet with their same group for character development lessons, time management, friendship choices, as well as have fun with bingo, dances, and celebrations. 

With Starpoint Middle’s success, LewPort, Ken-Ton, Williamsville, and Amherst are all starting or have established similar WEB programs in the area.