There are numerous opportunities for students to transition from elementary to middle and middle to high school at North Royalton City Schools. At the September 11 Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Vojta, along with her colleagues, shared a presentation that highlighted two of the District’s programs, Link Crew and WEB (Where Everyone Belongs).
Link Crew is an elite group of upperclassmen that are focused on making North Royalton High School (NRHS) as amazing as it can be by acting as role models to younger students at NRHS.
Link Leaders help to facilitate Freshmen Orientation, plan year-round team building activities, and do their best on a daily basis to make the high school environment as positive and productive as possible. In addition, they write a welcome letter to the incoming freshmen as well as make phone calls to them. Matt Ciha, the NRHS Link Crew advisor, describes Link Leaders as diverse, welcoming, compassionate, energetic, positive and involved.
At North Royalton Middle School, WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leaders are eighth graders that work hard to provide a welcoming environment to the incoming fifth-grade students. The school encourages them to be observant, step up and lead, model positive behavior support, and follow the building’s “Bear Way.” Counselor and WEB Advisor Deanna Paolino said, “Our WEB leaders are mentors. They show the fifth graders that people care about them and their success, make connections with the students, and teach the students what they need to know to be successful in middle school. These leaders set a positive tone for the school year.” In August, a WEB orientation takes place that teaches the students that in order to make a successful transition, they need to know the what, where, how and when to aid them on their journey. Throughout the year, they participate in fun, social activities.
“Never underestimate the power of personal connection,” said Paolino. “The more connected students are to their new school, the better they will do in all the measures that are important: grades, test scores, attendance and discipline.”
At North Royalton Elementary school, families are invited to a Back to School Bash and always look forward to the welcome back video that the principals and teachers work hard on over the summer to produce for their students. The Back to School Bash, which takes place at the elementary school, always attracts more than 1,200 people, including 400 students. Organizations such as the Choir Boosters and PTA help to create wonderful memories for the students.
