Where Everyone Belongs program welcomes incoming Nagel 7th graders

One week before the first day of school, Nagel Middle School welcomed more than 600 incoming 7th graders to participate in the W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs) transition program. The large group of 7th graders comes to Nagel from all six of the district’s elementary schools, and NMS utilizes the W.E.B. program to ensure the transition is comfortable, fun and stress-free for the students.

The special orientation allows new students to become familiar with the building, their new classmates, and principal prior to the start of school. The program also pairs the new students with a W.E.B. leader, who is an upcoming 8th grader, as a mentor. The orientation blends fun games and music with important information about opportunities at Nagel and what is means to be a Nagel Nighthawk.

“I am excited to be your principal for this year and next year and we are lucky to have you,” Nagel Middle School Principal Anita Eshleman told the group Thursday.

A handful of high school students who previously served as W.E.B. leaders also return for the two-day period to show their support to the students.

“I always come back because I always like helping the children feel acquainted to the new schools and I know it can be a pretty nervous time,” said Anderson senior Adam Scalf. “I know how it feels so I always try to come back and help.”

This is the 11th year for W.E.B. at Nagel. Anderson High School and Turpin High School have Link Crew programs, which supports incoming freshman during the transition from middle school to high school.