Joining a new school community can be a stressful experience for new students, but it’s a little less stressful now at Lane thanks to a new program – Student Ambassadors!

Last May, the charter members of the peer-to-peer support program were nominated by teachers in grades 2 through 5 and other staff members who work regularly with students across grade levels. Overall, more than 40 students were offered membership and completed training before the 2021 – 2022 school year ended. The ambassador team was ready to welcome new students throughout the summer at our weekly “Popsicles on the Playground” events, at Open House, and – most importantly – on the first day of school!

Lane’s Student Ambassadors serve as “buddies” to help their new classmates learn about school routines, expectations, and traditions. They sit with them at lunch (if they are in the same class) and play with them at recess. Ambassadors are encouraged to reach across classes (and even grade levels) when possible to welcome new Lane lions into the pride.  Since the program is only for students in grades 3 through 6, we hope to have teachers in the lower grades identify some “classroom buddies” we can connect younger students with a bit more formally when they arrive.

Lane’s Student Ambassadors are supported by a staff team that includes LaMaya Middleton, our Military Family Life Counselor; Katherine Corl, one of our school counselors; Kimberly Hernandez, one of our ESOL teachers; Melanie Crosby Hardy, one of our family liaisons; and Bryan Shaw, a 5^th grade teacher.

We are so excited to watch our new Student Ambassadors program grow this year!