Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, August 12, 2009

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Learning a locker combination is high on the priority list for incoming sixth-graders everywhere.

Starting middle school can be daunting, with classrooms to find, a different cafeteria to negotiate and lockers to master. But thanks to a two-day boot camp, incoming students were ready for Winburn Middle School this morning.

“It’s an opportunity for the students and parents to see what it’s like to be a sixth-grader,” said Principal Tina Stevenson. “It removes some fears and lets them know they’ll be OK and we expect them to be successful.”

The brainchild of Youth Services Center coordinator T.C. Johnson, “Warrior Academy Basic Training: Surviving Middle School” covered everything from morning roll call to switching classes.

“It’s a transition for both the student and family from elementary to middle school,” said Johnson, who hustled around the building during the latest activities.

Nearly 300 sixth-graders were on the rolls Wednesday; about half of them attended last week’s orientation.

Kristoni Cross and Rachel Lush felt confident they’d be prepared for the first day of school. Kristoni’s main concern? “Getting to know how to work our lockers so we don’t get stuck and be late to class.”

Rachel was grateful to the seventh- and eighth-grade volunteers. “They gave us little counselors who give us hints about middle school,” she said. “They’re kind of cool and fun.”

Students who benefited from the preview were prepared to return the favor for classmates who didn’t make it to boot camp. “Miss T.C. asked us if we can help them out and find their way around,” Kristoni said.

During the two-day session, kids attended workshops on safety, team-building, effective communication and organizational skills. They also met a few teachers and staff members, reviewed school rules and tackled their lockers. And they heard about the homework hot line, Winburn’s grading system and note-taking strategies.

Down the hall, parents gathered for their own workshops and introduction to Winburn, discussing everything from the PTA and cyber bullies to the facts of life. Stevenson reassured the families, talking about her commitment to the school and to the success of every child. Pens clicked and papers rustled when she shared her personal cell number.

LaTonya Wilson, whose oldest child is moving on to Winburn from Mary Todd Elementary, found all the sessions useful and said her daughter is looking forward to middle school.

“She feels like it’s going to be great here and she’ll have a lot of opportunities,” Wilson said.