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Boomerang Project Helps Students Transition to Middle and High School

Posted on: Monday, 13 August 2007, 12:20 CDT

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Aug. 13, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Three educators joined together to create an intensive teacher training program for boosting student confidence and enhancing the school climate in schools throughout the United States and Canada. Micah Jacobson, Mary Beth Campbell and Carolyn Hill created the Boomerang Project, which encompasses WEB and Link Crew, two training programs for educators. WEB means 'Where Everybody Belongs' and it aids students going from elementary to middle school. Link Crew provides the link for students to successfully transition from middle school to 9th grade. Both programs implement the help of older students as role models and leaders.

The innovators of the Boomerang Project based their programs on the premise that 'No Child Left Behind' caused education to shift its focus to standardized test scores and student achievement data. Often lost in the shuffle are the students who struggle to fit in to the new surroundings peopled by all new faces. Thus many students feel alienated. This decreased student connection to the school community has spawned, in some cases, tragic results.

Since the implementation of Link Crew and WEB in the past 15 years, positive change has taken place in schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. Some 1600 high schools and middle schools use the program to help eliminate bullying, improve discipline, increase attendance and make schools safer places for students. For example, schools that use Link Crew see amazing results. In Yerington High School, Nevada, Freshman Referrals to the principal's office are down 45%; Freshman Suspensions are Down 50% and Freshman Failure is Down 32%.

The WEB stats are equally impressive. Rogers Middle School, Rogers, Minnesota saw a 51% reduction of 6th graders with a "D" or "F" on their report card. KLO Middle School, Kelowna, British Columbia shows 2/3 of students reported they felt more prepared for school because of WEB and a 20% increase in overall parent satisfaction with the school.

Teachers who have gone through Boomerang Project training and are currently running the program on their own campuses had much to say. David Hinds, Counselor at Shanahan Middle School, Lewis Center, OH, said, "... The WEB Program has helped not only our 6th graders adjust more positively to middle school, but also our 8th graders have learned how to be true leaders in the building."

Rosa Trombley, Teacher, L'Anse Creuse High School North, Macomb, MI said, "The Link Crew training is an experience one will never forget. With this program the possibilities for change at your school are endless. All educators should attend and see first-hand how you can make a difference." Rob Montgomery, Teacher, and Stebbins High School -- Ohio said, "This was hands down the best professional development program I've ever been a part of."

The Boomerang Project is the parent company to the internationally recognized Link Crew and WEB transition programs. The Project delivers superior trainings and products for both teachers and students alike. 98% of teachers who attend the workshops say that it was one of the best professional development conferences or trainings they have attended in their careers.

This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com

CONTACT: The Boomerang Project Mary Beth Campbell, CEO 831.460.7040 mb@boomerangproject.com www.boomerangproject.com

Source: PrimeNewswire

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