COVINA, CA – Sierra Vista Middle School’s Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program is creating a culture of positivity, kindness, and care, ensuring every student feels seen and supported on campus. This commitment to fostering a welcoming environment earned WEB recognition at the World’s Greatest Schools Conference on Oct. 6 for digital positivity.

WEB is made up of 38 seventh- and eighth-grade students who help engage their classmates through monthly classroom lessons, sports tournaments, games, rallies, and more. The program primarily supports sixth-graders and new seventh- and eighth-graders, helping them feel welcomed and connected to campus life.

“WEB gives students a safe space,” WEB teacher Brieanne Sapienza said. “Middle school can be a challenging time, and it’s life-changing to know that someone cares about you. Our WEB students eat lunch with new students, play games with them, and get to know them. They also inspire the next wave of WEB applicants who want to follow in their leaders’ footsteps.”

WEB students play a central role in sixth-grade orientation. They personally call each incoming student to invite them to the event, lead a rally, and give tours of the campus. Once school begins, WEB leaders help new students navigate classes and participate in activities designed to make them feel comfortable and included.
In the classroom, WEB students plan events, create posters for celebrations such as National Custodians Day and Psychologists Week, practice scripts, organize tournaments, and manage reminders for upcoming activities. The students also maintain a lively social media presence, promoting events and encouraging school attendance. This year, their Super Mario Bros.-themed “Level Up” attendance campaign, which celebrated classes with strong attendance, drew attention at the World’s Greatest Schools Conference for its creativity and digital impact.

“This recognition validated for our students that what they’re doing matters,” Sapienza said. “They were thrilled to be honored and are already brainstorming ways to make their ideas bigger and better.”

WEB’s efforts go beyond individual events, creating a lasting impact on the school community through mentorship, fun activities, and consistent support.

“WEB is a standout example of how student leadership can transform a campus culture,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “These students are building community, fostering inclusion, and making every classmate feel valued. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and this recognition is a testament to their hard work and heart.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_WEB1: Sierra Vista Middle School’s Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program is creating a culture of positivity, kindness, and care on campus. WEB was recognized at the World’s Greatest Schools Conference on Oct. 6 for digital positivity.

CVUSD_WEB2: In Sierra Vista Middle School’s WEB program, students plan events, organize tournaments, and create posters for celebrations such as National Administrative Professionals Day.