Making the Move - Transitioning Students Smoothly
The Swather Transition Program that USD 460 has implemented plays a key role in making certain that students not only feel safe and welcomed, but also offers students a forthcoming pathway for leadership and moral growth. The program begins with students writing inter-district pen-pal notes to each other in an effort to become acquainted and appease any anxieties for the incoming students. Early in the school year, 4th grade students are paired with 7th grade students, and they begin a rapport-building relationship. Hesston USD 460 also has developed a mentoring plan in which the high school students mentor younger kids in the district and discuss character education traits through the school's SPARK program: Student Peers As Resources for Kids. These “SPARKers” connect with the younger students, providing yet another connection – another proactive inter-district, inter-student opportunity for emotional growth.