Glenwood eighth-graders mentor younger students
Boardman Glenwood Middke School eighth-grade WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) leaders posed with fifth-grade students after a relay game May 31 during the school's All Star Game.
Neighbors | EARTHA TERRELL.David Suarez (left) assist his teammate Emily Jackson during a game of "Water Relay" during Boardman Glenwood Middle School's All Star Game May 31.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Boardman Glenwood Middle School eighth-graders are more like older big brothers and sisters to fifth-grade students. As such, the school participates in a nationwide mentor-mentee program called “Where Everybody Belongs” to assist fifth graders’ transition into middle school.
“The WEB Program is where eighth-grade students serve as mentors for a group of fifth-graders all year,” said WEB Coordinator and eighth-grade teacher Jean Dravecky.
Fifth-graders enjoyed time with their mentors one last time during the school’s “All Star Game” May 31.
They participated in several activities with the assistance of their eighth-grade W.E.B leaders. The purpose of each game was to enhance teamwork and cooperation strategies.
Dravecky said the program has significantly made a difference in their lives of her students. Some fifth-graders said the program helped them feel less intimidated by middle school.
“It made me become less shy,” said fifth-grade student AbdulLah Kham.
Although the purpose of the program is to aid fifth-graders, some eight-graders said they gained a positive new experience through helping the younger students.
“Some of my kids say hi to me in the hallway. It makes them feel like their important and gives them positive role models,” said eight-grader Conner Kochanski.