As part of an orientation program for Shore Road School sixth grade students, Grand Avenue Middle School eighth grade Positive Student Leaders eased the pending transition to seventh grade by sharing their personal experiences about transitioning to the middle school two years ago.

Most years, the Positive Students Leaders visit the sixth graders in their classrooms at Shore Road School. Due to COVID-19 safety regulations, they were not able to meet in person, but instead presented a PowerPoint presentation via Zoom technology.

Shore Road School social worker Christine Davison said, “The Positive Student Leaders met this challenge as true Shining Star Leaders. Many of the sixth graders have reported that the presentation helped to calm their anxieties about transitioning to middle school.”

Positive Student Leaders Sophia Benno, Chase Krinsky, Atiana Florio, Patrick Himmel, Tristan Montalbano, Brianna Mulcan and Noah Reynolds discussed academic and behavior expectations, social aspects and the school’s CARES philosophy (compassionate, accountable, respectful, equitable and strong) from the students’ perspective. The eighth graders also answered questions regarding grades, after-school activities, lockers and navigating the building.

The Shore Road School sixth grade students thank the Positive Student Leaders for the invaluable information and advice about transitioning to middle school this coming fall.