Denton ISD Our Impact In Your Community Magazine October 2016 | Page 23

most popular extracurricular student groups at the school, with rising eighth graders having to go through a strict application process before being selected to just one of 75 spots. “I tell the WEB Leaders every year that there’s only one of me and there’s 70-something of you, so if someone is going to make a difference here it’s more likely to be you than me. I think that helps them realize that they’re leaders and role models to these sixth graders just as much as the adults are,” Mr. Smith said. The program features the traditional rules and expectations presentation from teachers and administrators, but WEB’s “bread and butter” is the group talks and student-led activities that take place afterward. As Mr. Smith proudly points out, this is when the older students realize that Harpool is their home too and that they want others to feel happy and welcome there. It’s here where you really begin to see the eighth graders shine as leaders, guiding a group of younger peers through a typical peer pressure scenario or showing them how to properly float a balloon to win a race. It’s at this same time that you see the sixth graders gain a bit more confidence, perhaps knowing that they have an upperclassman in their corner right from the start. “It definitely helped me knowing that I had an upperclassman to show me where to find a class or to talk to at the first school dance,” said Maria Livas, a student WEB Leader. “It’s our way of giving back since we’ve been in that place and know what they’re going through. Hopefully we can help them with whatever is going on in their lives.” Program co-directors Laura Lee, a seventh-grade science teacher, and Erin Rooks, an eighth- grade reading teacher, said it takes special students to be WEB Leaders because they’re involved in activities with sixth graders the entire school year, not just on the one day the program takes place before the school year begins. From group activities, to a sixth-grade movie day to helping with events at Blanton Elementary’s Field Day, students in WEB come to embody everything that is great about being a Harpool Longhorn. Their role, simply put, is to ensure that Harpool is a place Where Everybody Belongs,said Rooks. That message apparently hit home for Cameron, as he walked out of the school gym that day talking and laughing with friends he made. It also left an impression on Mia Jones, whose older sister, Tamira Franklin, served as a WEB Leader. Eighth grader Jonathan Ramirez works on a team building activity with Andrew Nash, sixth grader. The event held just prior to the start of school, aims to make the transition from elementary to middle school go more smoothly. “It would be really hard going to school here not knowing anyone,” Mia said. “I wouldn’t want to do it, so I’m happy that they have WEB.” THE FUN AWAITS. Join the party as we celebrate 30 years of Oakmont Country Club, where Members enjoy: • 18 holes of golf • Family-friendly Cast Iron Grille • NEW fitness center • Adults-only Tap Room bar • Four lit tennis courts • Junior programs and camps JOIN BY NOVEMBER 30 AND RECEIVE 30 DAYS OF FREE DUES!* SCHEDULE A PRIVATE CLUB TOUR TODAY! Andrea Burris, Membership Director 940.321.5599 | [email protected] *Offer expires November 30, 2016 and may not be combined with any other promotions or discounts. Loyalty agreement may be required and early resignation fees may apply. Other restrictions and exclusions apply. Contact the Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 32139 0816 SR 23