Washington-Lee High School2013-2014

• A program that prepares WL students to:– Lead and– Mentor

• A program addition to our existing Small Learning Community structure– CONNECT mentors work with 9th graders in a

peer-to-peer relationship which promotes inclusivity, school spirit and school connectedness

– CONNECT mentors are student helpers who share experiences, knowledge and friendship with 9th graders

Research suggests that merging several middle schools into one high school can increase the loss of educational achievement. Ninth grade can be a “make or break” year. Freshmen transition programs are recommended.

W-L implemented a Freshmen Transition Program in 2009, called Freshmen Connection or Small Learning Communities. In 2012 CONNECT was

added to this existing program to include a student leadership and mentorship component.

Learning the block schedule.

Mentors touring with Freshmen!

Ms. McClellanMs. PetersMs. ReedMs. GregoryMr. DeRoccoMs. MyklestadMs. CallawayMs. Catino

Five CONNECT Committee’s two student co-chairs x 5 committees = 10 equal partners

All CONNECT Students

9th Grade GP Classroom Teachers

MentorGP Teachers

AugustTraining sessions for Freshmen Orientation

SeptemberFirst Day Activities

Fuel Prep 9/11Fuel 9/12Fuel Prep 9/25Fuel 9/26

Theme:

OctoberFuel Prep 10/9Fuel 10/10

Fuel Prep 10/23Fuel 10/24

Theme:

NovemberSmall Group/Large Event on 11/6 or 11/7

Theme:

DecemberFuel Prep 12/5Fuel 12/6

Theme:

JanuaryFuel Prep 1/22Fuel 1/23

Theme:

FebruaryFuel Prep 2/5Fuel 2/6

Plan Refresh!

Theme:

MarchFuel Prep 3/5Fuel 3/6

Attend Refresh!

Theme:

AprilSmall Group/Large Group Event(s) 4/10

Theme:

MayFuel or Event on 5/2

Committees meet and reflect

Theme:

JuneIgnite Training for new and returning Mentors!

JulyNo activities

Student Co-Chairs make up the new CONNECT STUDENT COUNCIL

New this year• Connect bulletin board outside

of the library (Ms. Myklestad and Ms. Reed)

• Improved “prep”sessions (Ms. Callaway, Mr. DeRocco, Ms. Catino, Ms. Myklestad)– Tip of the Month– How to promote clubs,

activities and sports– Lesson support (Ms. Reed, Ms.

McClellan)

• Mentor GP classes meet in cafeteria! (Ms. Gregory)

• Middle school mentor visits (Ms. Gregory)

• Partnership development (Ms. Callaway and Ms. McClellan)

• Mentor support (Ms. Catino, Mr. DeRocco and Ms. Reed)

• Document and promote our successes! (Ms. Peters)