Why the Kick-Off Program?

Nearly every school in the country does some sort of orientation for their incoming students. But in many schools this consists primarily of a tour of the building, counselors discussing course options and administrators lecturing students on school rules and regulations.

But does this really address the questions and concerns coming from the students and their parents? If they are more concerned about getting stuffed in a locker or lost on the way to class, they are not likely to be listening intently to the discussion on core classes and the number of math credits necessary to graduate. Incoming students want to know what their school is REALLY like and they want to hear it from upper-class students. The parade of adult talking heads does little but provide background noise for the confusion, concern and angst of the incoming students.

Meanwhile, well-meaning and dedicated administrators, counselors and teachers find themselves in the throes of a new school year with all of the paperwork and confusion that is entailed. Who could provide these incoming students with the information and encouragement needed to survive and thrive during those very important first few weeks of school? From this challenge came the Kick-Off Program, a comprehensive approach to transition that enlists and empowers upperclassmen as mentors for the incoming students.

And the results have been overwhelmingly positive! The data is clear that schools throughout the country using comprehensive transition programs have been able to reduce drop-out rates, decrease discipline referrals, and improve grades. Now you can join the successes of these schools.

See Kick-Off Program Summary