WEB Leaders Create Culture of Friendship at Grant Middle School

“Have a great day, Jaxson!”
 
Grant 8^th grader Lillieanna Knarr shouted down the hall to 6^th grader Jaxson Worrell as he walked off toward class.
 
“They’re so friendly,” Jaxson said quietly.
 
Lillieanna serves as one of about two dozen school WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leaders this year. In that role, she helped lead Grant 6^th graders in a summer orientation, assists them around school as needed, and makes monthly or bimonthly visits to 6^th grade classrooms to lead team-building activities.
 
“He was in my orientation group,” Lillieanna explained, walking Jaxson walk away. “They’ve all grown so much already since orientation… they’re so responsible! We’re really trying to call them out in the halls, smile at them… it can change their day.”
 
As a 6^th grader herself, just two years ago, Lillieanna recalled struggling with staying focused in class – how easy it was to get caught up in drama. She spoke of how the 8^th grade WEB leaders were role models for her at that age – they inspired her to be better.
 
“I want to set a good example like the past 8^th graders did for me,” she shared. “I want them to know that they have their own futures to worry about – they don’t need to be peer pressured. I do this by building a bond with them and keeping them on the same level, so they don’t feel as shy. It makes me feel good – and it also makes me feel more confident. I have to stay positive and keep going even through my challenges, because they’re watching.”
 
Fellow WEB leader Gradis Kalala never had the opportunity to experience having an older mentor in the building to look up to. When he entered Grant last year as a 7^th grader, he was new to the country – having just arrived from Zambia.
 
“I didn’t have anyone besides teachers to help me,” he shared. “I see the 6^th graders and I just want to help them. I like helping people, and I want to help them grow. I remember how hard it was for me being in a new school and a new country. On the first day of school, they were all so quiet. Now, they are opening up as they feel more welcomed. I’m so excited to see that! I feel so good being able to help them.”
 
For 6^th graders, having an extra set of eyes and ears to rely on has been invaluable.
 
“They help us get around when we don’t know where to go,” 6^th grader Jamiya Cannon added. “It helps to have a non-adult to be able to talk to.”
 
To become a WEB leader, students must attend a two-day summer orientation. There, they must also sign a contract, agreeing to maintain good grades, attendance, and behavior. Grant Middle School Music teacher and WEB Advisor Marshella Mason said that in her 4^th year leading the WEB program, this year’s group of students is especially dedicated.
 
“Their level of responsibility, their willingness in wanting to help… it’s so impressive,” Ms. Mason shared. “It’s unlike any group of WEB leaders I’ve worked with before. They are so driven. They ask questions. They want to do good; they want to help. It’s so nice to hear them chatting with the 6^th graders in the hallways. Middle school is tough in the first place. There’s a hierarchy based on grade – but their goal in WEB is to break down those barriers and show that the 8^th graders aren’t these scary big kids – they’re your friends who are here to help.”
 
We’re so proud of the WEB leaders who are working hard to build a positive and supportive community in their schools!