What is The Kick-Off Program?

The Kick-Off Program is designed to guide students through the difficult transitional waters as they move from middle school to high school or elementary to middle school. The two key components of the Kick-Off Program are 1) a student-led, interactive orientation day prior to the start of school and 2) yearlong mentoring by upper-class students. The Kick-Off Program is a research-based and outcome-driven model created by a lifelong educator.

The Kick-Off Program was first implemented in 1999 at Carmel High School in Indiana and since that time has assisted students in hundreds of high schools of every size and demographic. From Maine to California, the success of the program is heralded among administrators and lauded in commencement addresses for making a profound difference in the lives of both mentees and mentors.

The goals of the program are based on the research that identifies the key indicators for improved graduation rates and success beyond high school: grades, attendance, behavior and involvement in school activities. Upper-class Kick-Off Mentors (KOMs) are trained to take ownership in the successes of their mentees in these key areas. The mantra of these mentors: Failure is NOT an option for MY mentees! Schools have reported significant improvements in these areas as well as graduation rates. Additionally schools report that the Kick-Off Program provides additional leadership opportunities for upper-class students and that the program leads to an improvement in overall school spirit and school climate.

The Kick-Off Program offers schools a variety of services based on the individual needs of the school. Services available include varying levels of staff development, mentor/mentee activities and supplementary materials, on-site trainings, on-site consultation, social networking and administrative support that allow each school to choose the services that best meet their desired outcomes based on available resources.

See Program Cost and Components

Kick-Off Program Key Terminology

Kick-Off Program (KO Program) The entire incoming student transition, orientation and mentoring program.

Kick-Off Coordinators The team of adults within the school who administer the program.

Kick-Off Mentors (KOMs) Upper class students who act as mentors for incoming students.

KOM Teams A team of 6 Kick-Off Mentors that are assigned to a specific group of incoming students for the Kick-Off Day and for the continuing mentoring sessions.

KOM Team Captain A member of the KOM Team designated to be the captain or Honor Mentor to assist with administrative responsibilities. Ideally a returning mentor. Can be selected by KO Coordinators, homeroom teacher, first KOM drafted or elected by KOM Team.

KOM Council A steering committee made up of the officers of the Kick-Off Mentors. Each member of the KOM Council is assigned and responsible for specific KOM Teams.

Kick-Off Mentor Training Day A day long training session for the KOMs in which they are taught basic mentoring skills and how to run the orientation Kick-Off Day

Kick-Off Orientation Day The incoming student orientation day prior to the start of school. The Kick-Off Day is run by the KOMs and consists of a Welcome (pep session) in the gym, an Orientation in the auditorium, and several breakout sessions.

Kick-Off Orientation Day Rehearsal The day before the actual Kick-Off Orientation Day the KOMs rehearse the activities for the day, prepare materials, and decorate the school.

Formal KOM Connections These are the formal visits made by the KOMs to their incoming students' homerooms to make presentations about specific topics.

Informal KOM Connections Informal visits to an incoming student homeroom by at least one of the KOMs. These create an opportunity for the KOMs to truly act as mentors to their incoming students.

Social and Service KOM Connections Social and service activities planned by the KOM Council for all KOMs and the incoming students.

KOM Contacts These are the one-on-one contacts that the KOMs make throughout the year with their incoming students.

KO Community An Internet social community for KO Coordinators, KO Council members and KOMs to share ideas on how to best help incoming students make a successful transition to their new school.