Independence Middle School (IMS) kicked off the new academic year with its annual 8th Grade WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Program on Thursday, August 15, continuing a tradition of welcoming new students and incoming 5th graders with open arms.
The WEB Program, growing stronger each year, is designed to integrate newcomers into the IMS community seamlessly. This year's event was a resounding success, exceeding expectations and setting a positive tone for the school year ahead.
At the heart of the program were the 8th-grade WEB leaders, who played a pivotal role in making new students feel at home. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they led a day filled with engaging team-building activities and interactive sessions, all aimed at familiarizing new students with IMS culture, values, and expectations.
The day's highlights included a warm welcome from the WEB leaders, creating an inviting atmosphere from the start. Various team-building exercises helped foster new friendships and promote collaboration, effectively easing any first-day jitters. A key component of the program was the mentorship assignments, pairing each new student with an 8th-grade mentor to guide them through their new school environment.
"The success of our WEB Program is a testament to the strong community spirit at IMS," said Principal Jamie Vanek. "It's heartening to see our 8th graders step up as leaders and mentors, embodying our school's values of inclusivity and support."
The school administration expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of Mrs. Pietrzak, Mrs. Koussa, and Ms. Bloam in organizing and executing this impactful program. Their dedication has been crucial to the continued success of the WEB Program.
As the new school year begins, the WEB Program has once again laid a strong foundation for a positive, inclusive learning environment at Independence Middle School, truly living up to its name by creating a place where everyone belongs.
