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WEB Leaders Create a Place “Where Everyone Belongs”
Inclusive. Listener. Mentor. Inspiring. Navigator. Leader. Friend. These are just a few of the words Columbia Academy (CA) eighth-graders used to describe the role of the school’s WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Leaders. As students start the school year, WEB Leaders are at the forefront of the welcoming committee ensuring all students at CA feel a sense of belonging.
“[We’re] leaders for the school,” said WEB Leader Kennedi Dudley. “[We] set an example of what the school's core values are and help newcomers understand what's going on and [make sure] they're being welcomed, so they don't feel like an outsider.”
CA Teacher Marie Nelson who has overseen the program for the past five years – informally dubbed “WEB Leader Squared” – said the purpose of the program is to help fulfill the mission of the school: to be a place where everyone belongs. “WEB Leaders are the face of that mission,” she said. “The [WEB Leader] program is one of my favorite things because I get to work with students who are leaders and who have the passion to help kids feel they belong,”
In addition to helping new students, Dudley noted the role of WEB Leaders also benefits parents by providing peace of mind knowing their students will be welcomed with open arms. WEB Leader Matt Rockwell cited the opportunity it provides for Leaders themselves to further develop leadership and social skills.
“A lot of kids face adversity at home, which reflects how they act at school,” said Rockwell. “Where WEB Leaders fit in to all that is we get those students to open up and see what kind of person they can be. You can't judge a book by its cover.”
“Our goal at Columbia Academy is that everyone knows they belong here and that’s what our WEB Leaders do,” said CA Principal Duane Berkas. “They make sure every 6th-grader or new student is welcomed into our school and our team.”
Sophie Kuether is proud to be a WEB Leader. “It’s awesome to be able to be more of a friend to students and show them that leaders come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, genders…anything,” she said. “All leaders look different.”
For more information on the WEB Leader program, contact Columbia Academy at 763.528.4700.