Transition Mentors: 8th Graders Guiding Incoming 6th Graders

The Problem

Every fall, 6th graders struggled with the middle school transition. Belonging survey data showed that only 52% of 6th graders felt they belonged at the school by October. Discipline referrals for 6th graders were double the rate of 7th and 8th graders, concentrated in the first quarter. The school had an orientation day but nothing sustained. Once classes started, 6th graders were on their own.

The Plan

1. 1
   Select 8th grade mentors through application (character, not grades)

   Full-day training: active listening, boundaries, when to refer to an adult.

   Groups See example

   Elmer Suite → Groups

   Intervention Group

   Marcus T. Aaliyah R. Devon K. Sophia L.

   Create groups, assign students, track progress per group.

2. 2
   Pair each mentor with 4-5 sixth graders, meet weekly

   12-week structured curriculum: icebreakers → how-to-middle-school → relationship-building → goal-setting.

   30 min/week
3. 3
   Track belonging survey and discipline referrals

   Belonging measured at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint as a factor. 6th grade ODRs monitored weekly.

   Factors Events Data Wall See example

   Elmer Suite → Factors

   Factor Trend

   SepOctNovDecJanFeb

   ↑ Trending positive — on track to meet target

The Team

Ms. Keisha Howard, the school counselor, designed the mentor program.

Related Strategies

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