BEF will match the first $500 donated!

Your support can grow camaraderie, collaboration and caring in our middle school, using the nationally-recognized, student support program, Where Everybody Belongs (WEB). WEB pairs 8th-grade mentors with small groups of 6th-graders to facilitate social and academic relationships throughout the year. 8th graders learn leadership and presentation skills, while building confidence in their ability to enact positive change within the community. 6th graders feel seen, heard and cared for from the very first day of school that extends throughout a student's 7th and 8th grade experience, as WEB creates a culture of care throughout the building.

Everyone in education has seen the strain that the pandemic put on the interpersonal relationships, self-image and general success of our students. One way we can help students is by creating opportunities for them to connect with peers. Our school funded an initial round of supplies and coaching for teachers, but to make lasting change, we need to have ongoing events for 6th graders, training for the 8th grade leaders and celebratory events to bring the fun back to being a part of our school.

The funds will be used for consumable supplies but the impact of the bonding experiences they support will resonate throughout the building long after the event concludes. This program impacts the nearly 300 6th graders during their first year in our building and 56 8th grade leaders, building their legacy before they leave middle school.

Check out our winter event!

Your donations will go toward key elements of the program including:

1. Supplies for games/activities during spring training and orientation week to welcome the 6th graders as well as follow-ups with the same small group of students throughout the year.

• Painter’s tape (Amazon link 2x $8.99= $17.98)
• Sharpies (Amazon link $26.44)
• Markers (Amazon link 26x $2.39= $62.14)
• Nametags (Amazon link 2x $21.95 =$43.90)
• Straws (Amazon link $8.99)
• Stir Straws (Amazon link $7.49)
• Tote Bags (Amazon link 3x Web $44.99 = $134.97) to organize, store and transport the supply kits for the year-long activities.  We will add the Whitford WEB logo, created by students using our building t-shirt press

2. T-shirts (designed by the students themselves) for 8th grade leaders to build camaraderie and make it easy for 6th graders to find helpful, friendly faces in our busy hallways.

• Shirts through wearsmy shirt .com (based on quote from 2021-2022) - $900

3. Celebration prizes and treats for students to encourage participation and engagement in community events throughout the year (Bingo, ugly sweater design contest, raffles).

• Stickers(Amazon link $12.99)
• Candy(items may vary, but estimate from Amazon link (5 x $14.38= $71.90) 
• Donuts(6x 15.99 per dozen = 95.94)

4. Materials for monthly activities coordinated by our 8th grade leaders to build community and relationships.

• August 2-day Leadership Training - pizza lunch and snacks (approx. $175)
• September - Popsicle Social (approx $15)
• October - Spirit Week (assorted prizes for winning advisory classes)
• November - “We All Fit In Here” puzzle piece mural (art supplies)
• December - Hot Chocolate Social: Watch our video to see how it went (Swiss Miss 6 x $7.99=$47.94, cups $29.79)
• February - Random Acts of Kindness Cards(Amazon link 3x 11.99=35.97)/Val-o-gram American Heart Association Fundraiser)
• March - Minute to Win It March Madness Tournament (Assorted prizes for winning advisory classes)/Pie Day Lunch (30x $9.99=$300)
• April - Growth Mindset Lesson and Earth Day Activity
• May - Teacher Appreciation and Spring Spirit Week
• June – End-of-year Carnival (Assorted prizes)

5. Training in leadership techniques, presentation skills and team-building for our 8th grade leaders. Tools for planning lessons for the 6th graders and school-wide events.

• Whiteboard (Amazon link $99.99)
• Whiteboard markers (Amazon link $34.99)
• Sticky notes (Amazon link $34.99)