Transition Mentors: 8th Graders Guiding Incoming 6th Graders

6th Grade Belonging Score

52% 79%

+52%

6th Grade Discipline Referrals

34/mo 16/mo

-53%

Mentor Self-Efficacy

N/A 4.3/5

New

Symptom

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.

People

Ms. Keisha Howard, the school counselor, designed the mentor program. Team: - Ms. Keisha Howard — School Counselor, mentor selection and training - 8th grade advisor — Schedule coordination, mentor supervision - 24 selected 8th grade mentors — Weekly small-group sessions with 6th graders

Data

Belonging was measured with a 10-question survey administered in August (baseline), October (midpoint), and December (endpoint), tracked as a factor score. Discipline referrals for 6th graders were monitored weekly on the data wall. Mentor self-efficacy was surveyed monthly to ensure mentors felt supported.

Plan

24 eighth graders were selected as mentors through an application process (emphasis on character, not grades). Mentors received a full-day training before school started covering active listening, boundary-setting, and when to refer to an adult. Structure: - Each mentor was paired with a group of 4-5 sixth graders - Groups met weekly for 30 minutes during advisory period - Sessions followed a structured curriculum: Week 1 = school tour and icebreakers, Week 2 = "how to middle school" (lockers, schedule, lunch), Weeks 3-8 = relationship-building activities, Weeks 9-12 = goal-setting and independence - Mentors had a monthly check-in with the counselor to discuss concerns

Resources

Mentor Application

Student application form and selection rubric

12-Week Session Curriculum

Weekly session plans and activity sheets