The first challenge 10 sixth- and seventh-graders faced as CY Junior High students was popping a balloon by sitting on it.

Friday was CY's Where Everybody Belongs orientation for incoming students. WEB is a middle school transition program focused on making sixth- and seventh-graders feel welcome in their new schools.

This is the second year CY has used the WEB program to encourage positive behavior and student success. Students are assigned a WEB group during their orientation.

Incoming students spent Friday morning doing group activities, meeting new friends and learning about what's expected of them while attending CY.

Sixth-grader Bailey McCoy said orientation ended up being a lot more fun that she expected.

"It's a good way to introduce us to the school," she said.

When Bailey first walked into CY's gymnasium and saw all her future classmates, she admitted she was pretty nervous.

"But when I got here, I just got used to it, because everyone is so nice," she said with a big smile.

Caleb Carlson, an eighth-grader, and Khaymon Bell, a ninth-grader, said the first day of junior high can be an intimidating experience.

"I was really scared the first time I came to this school," Caleb, 13, said.

"It was kind of nervous for me, not knowing what to do or where to go," Khaymon, 14, said.

Caleb and Khaymon are both WEB leaders. WEB leaders act as positive role models and guides for their younger classmates. Once students are assigned to WEB groups, they can count on their leader to offer advice and encouragement during the school year.

More than 50 eighth- and ninth-graders are WEB leaders, said Katherine Maguire, a WEB coordinator. All were selected through an application process.

"It has to be a very diverse group, because you want your incoming students to have someone they can relate to," Maguire said.

Eighth-grader MaKanna Paulley, 13, said she felt lost during her first year at CY, which was before the school started using the WEB program. She became a WEB leader to help students avoid that feeling.

"I just had to go with the flow," MaKanna said. "I don't want kids to have to do that."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.