MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

Press Releases:

MYCP Helps Incoming Freshman Transition to High School with 8TP

KEY WEST (478 words) – Hugs. Running. Grins. Talking. Slide Shows. Learning. They’re all part of the new 8TPs taking place this week at all three Monroe County public high schools. These eighth-grade transition programs (8TP) were designed by students for students through the sponsorship and leadership of Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP). Coral Shores 8TP is set for Tuesday, April 24, Marathon’s transition program for the incoming middle class is called 6TP and is set for Wednesday, April 25. Key West 8TP is set for Friday, April 27.

Photo Credit: MYCP
In addition to answering questions about subjects related to being in high school and sharing the new student handbooks, students from Coral Shores High School created a Power Point presentation with photos of the campus, administrative staff, and other important information. They spoke to the incoming freshman class from Key Largo School and Plantation Key School last week as part of the MYCP-sponsored 8TP.

The MYCP-sponsored transition programs are set to benefit eighth-grade classes merging into the district’s three high schools. In Marathon, the program is called 6TP because it focuses on the incoming middle school class. The inaugural transition program was held in 2006 at Coral Shores with great success according to officials and students. Now all three schools plan to host the educational, high-energy, hands-on program to help students blend from rival middle schools into one cohesive freshman class.

In pre-transition program meetings incoming freshman receive a student-led introduction to life in high school both in and after class. Students create and present a Power Point production and host question and answer sessions at the middle schools for students to learn facts about grades, the campus layout, athletics and clubs, elective classes, rules and extracurricular options.

After last year’s transition program Lisa M. Blakely, the school counselor at Plantation Key School said, “The eighth-grade girls gave overwhelming positive feedback about this experience. They said they felt less nervous and more prepared to ‘cross the street’” into high school.

Statistics show, ninth-grade is the year of highest drop out rates among at-risk students. The developmental assets these -- and all youth -- need are to feel connected, safe and have a sense of choice and self confidence.

The 8TP and 6TP activities meet all of those needs. That’s why it is a program designed with in-school and after-school components the entire class is invited and encouraged to attend. “Targeting at-risk students doesn’t work. Opening a program to the entire class, allowing the at-risk student to self-identify or reduce their risk factors does work,” said Safe School Coordinator Sunny Booker.

The 8TPs are feeder systems to the newly established Ninth-Grade Academies. The success of these programs sets students up for inclusion by their peers on and off campus. It also introduces students to adult leaders who will be able to offer future opportunities to enroll in leadership classes; benefit from special projects with Learn and Serve grants; and extra curricular events like the Challenge Day Reunion or Big Brother Big Sister mentor programs.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.