SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Lone Hill Middle School’s Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program is strengthening campus culture by helping sixth graders transition into middle school and providing eighth-grade students with meaningful leadership opportunities.

Now in her third year overseeing the program, adviser Katryna Estrada has developed WEB as a key driver of inclusivity and student connection on campus.

“This program is significant because it gives our eighth graders the opportunity to lead, connect with sixth graders and develop empathy through the work they do,” Estrada said. “The purpose of WEB is to help them grow into role models – thoughtful, hardworking human beings who understand that everyone belongs and can carry those values into high school and beyond.”

WEB supports incoming sixth graders through orientation activities, campus tours and a buddy system that pairs them with trained eighth-grade mentors. Throughout the year, WEB leaders maintain consistent engagement by hosting weekly tutoring sessions, organizing lunch activities, facilitating Fun Friday events, and coordinating after-school movie days. These efforts intend to create spaces where students feel seen, supported and connected during an important academic and social transition.

Cultural learning is embedded in the program through awareness-month activities that highlight heritage, identity, and representation. Estrada said this work reflects WEB’s mission to ensure every student feels valued.

“It’s in our name, ‘Where Everybody Belongs.’ We want students to learn about different cultures, celebrate important figures and understand the histories that shape our community,” Estrada said. “Our eighth graders choose topics that matter to them, create displays for our multipurpose room and guide conversations meant to further expand cultural sensitivity across campus.”

The program functions as a fully student-led leadership initiative, with eighth graders serving on committees including Sports and Activities, Public Relations, and Student-Teacher Connection. Students collaborate to develop and manage logistics for schoolwide events, promote activities, and strengthen relationships between staff and students.

“One thing I have learned from WEB is the importance of showing kindness to others,” eighth-grader Citlali Robles said. “It feels refreshing, and seeing the happiness on others’ faces brings me so much joy. Being kind to others shows people the kind of person you are, and can leave a good impression on the new people I meet.”

PHOTOS:

BUSD_LHMS_WEB1: Lone Hill Middle School’s Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program pairs eighth-grade mentors with incoming sixth graders to support their transition into middle school through peer connection, guidance, and campus engagement.

BUSD_LHMS_WEB2: WEB student leaders host a Suicide Prevention Month activity at Lone Hill Middle School, making friendship bracelets to promote mental health, inclusivity, and student connection across grade levels.

BUSD_LHMS_WEB3: Eighth-grade students in Lone Hill Middle School’s WEB program lead a Fun Friday event, developing leadership, teamwork, and public relations skills by planning, coordinating, and facilitating schoolwide activities.