Think back to your first time walking into middle school. How nervous were you about starting sixth grade? New BIG school. So many people. Six different teachers a day. Now, imagine your first time walking into Derby with people cheering for you, welcoming you. Imagine that before the first day begins you already have a group of sixth-grade friends and eighth-graders to mentor you and look out for you. Imagine that no student that walks the halls at Derby will do it alone. This is what the WEB program wants to create for every student. We believe WEB leaders should be the heartbeat of the school. They encourage and inspire. They look out for their fellow classmates in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. They greet you with a smile and high-five with a genuine desire for connection. They are the difference makers, the negativity breakers, the caretakers, and the world changers.

WEB is a yearlong transition program with four components that contribute to its success:

• Middle School Orientation - WEB Leaders and 6th/7th graders start building the mentor relationship and receive information about how to be successful in middle school
• Academic Follow Ups - WEB Leaders support 6th/7th grade academic success and character development through classroom visits
• Social Follow Ups - WEB Leaders and 6th/7th graders connect outside the classroom at social events to increase student engagement and promote positive school climate
• Leader Initiated Contacts - WEB Leaders connect with their 6th graders on a more individual basis