A new leadership program at Carroll County Middle School is fulfilling its mission - Where Everybody Belongs.
WEB Leaders are a group of 18 eighth grade students who were interviewed by school staff and had to explain why they wanted to help incoming fifth graders as well as other younger students.
CCMS Youth Services Worker Shelby Jones formulated the idea for WEB based off her high school experiences. She proposed it to CCMS Social Worker Brandi McIntyre and the idea took flight. The two were members of the Panther Kickoff Mentor (PKOM) when they were in high school, which is similar to this new group.
WEB’s first job was welcoming fifth graders during their orientation night. They are charged with interacting with the fifth graders and setting an example for them of how to treat teachers and other students.
“I wanted to be part of it because I wanted to help incoming fifth graders,” said Addison Mazza.
McIntyre said the goal is for students to know WEB is safe, offers someone to talk to and they are people who understand what it’s like to be in middle school.
According to Jones, on the second day of school WEB Leaders went to the fifth grade classrooms and went over ROAR expectations with their mentees. Their first WEB Leader Seminar will be on September 18 when they will discuss gossiping then break into their groups for activities involving the issue.
“We’re going to talk to fifth graders so they might come to us if anyone talks bad to them or anything,” said London Miller. “We can be a person they can go to.”
McIntyre said the students went through training this summer to learn signs of mental health issues, bullying and dangers of vaping. “We have been really proud of this group,” she said.
WEB Leaders must maintain a good GPA, have no disciplinary infractions and have good attendance.