1. Washington-Lee High School 2013-2014

2. A program that prepares WL students to: – Lead and – Mentor A program addition to our existing Small Learning Community structure – CONNECT mentors work with 9 th 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 9 th graders

3. Add another opportunity for student leadership at WL. Add a student mentorship component to the successful Freshmen Connection program. Create an immediate sense of spirit, inclusiveness, and school pride for new 9 th graders.

4. Freshmen Transition Program Small Learning Communities CONNECT Mentoring Program 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.

7. Learning the block schedule.

8. Mentors touring with Freshmen!

12. 9:15UNTIL 10:00 Outdoor Activities Name Toss 3D Twister Alaskan Baseball Time Warp 10:10UNTIL 10:55 Outdoor Activities Name Toss 3D Twister Alaskan Baseball Time Warp

14. Ms. McClellan Ms. Peters Ms. Reed Ms. Gregory Mr. DeRocco Ms. Myklestad Ms. Callaway Ms. Catino Five CONNECT Committee’s two student co- chairs x 5 committees = 10 equal partners All CONNECT Students 9 th Grade GP Classroom Teachers Mentor GP Teachers

16. August Training sessions for Freshmen Orientation September First Day Activities Fuel Prep 9/11 Fuel 9/12 Fuel Prep 9/25 Fuel 9/26 Theme: October Fuel Prep 10/9 Fuel 10/10 Fuel Prep 10/23 Fuel 10/24 Theme: November Small Group/Large Event on 11/6 or 11/7 Theme: December Fuel Prep 12/5 Fuel 12/6 Theme: January Fuel Prep 1/22 Fuel 1/23 Theme: February Fuel Prep 2/5 Fuel 2/6 Plan Refresh! Theme: March Fuel Prep 3/5 Fuel 3/6 Attend Refresh! Theme: April Small Group/Large Group Event(s) 4/10 Theme: May Fuel or Event on 5/2 Committees meet and reflect Theme: June Ignite Training for new and returning Mentors! July No activities

17. Logistics and Decorating Student Co- Chairs Assembly and Skits Student Co- Chairs Fuel Student Co- Chairs Enthusiasm and Adventure Student Co- Chairs Promotion and Documentation Student Co- Chairs Student Co-Chairs make up the new CONNECT STUDENT COUNCIL

18. 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)