One of the top public schools in the nation, the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) has been well-known in the Los Angeles Unified School District for its strong academic reputation, rigorous courses, and exceptional performance.
But despite this academic difference among other public schools in southern California, LACES has an uncommon grade level system where the school runs from 6th grade to 12th grade consistently.
With big 12th graders walking around school, the little 6th graders need to get to their classes and eat lunch at the same time as these “larger kids.”
“Every year, the 6th grade parents always share the same concern on their little child going to school with students much bigger than they are,” Mr. Harold Boger, the LACES principal, said.
Yet, even with these common concerns roaming around before the school year begins, there have been hardly any major complaints or problems from either 6th graders or their parents because one specific program has helped 6th graders adjust to the school prior to their first day.
The Homeroom Leader program, where qualified high school students who volunteer to participate get assigned to a 6th grade homeroom, was designed to help create a smooth transition for the 6th graders before the start of the school year. Every morning, all students have homeroom for the first 15 minutes and through this program, every 6th grade homeroom has at least one Homeroom Leader who stays with them throughout the entire school year.
“I think this is a great program for both the high school student and 6th grader because the high school students can build their leadership skills as mentors and 6th graders can have an upper classmen to turn to when they need help,” Ms. Mary Jane London, the Homeroom Leader program sponsor, said.
During homeroom, the Homeroom Leader helps the homeroom teachers set up the class, assists 6th graders with their homework, or just serve as a mentor for the new students.
On Aug. 10, 2012, LACES held its annual 6th grade orientation in the auditorium and the Homeroom Leaders were able to meet their 6th graders prior to the first day of school.
“I’m so excited! This is my first year as Homeroom Leader and I think the 6th graders are all so cute,” Yoonyoung Chang, a 12th grade Homeroom Leader, said.
At the end of the orientation, London remarked, “It looks like we had another successful 6th grade orientation and that the parents now know that their children have helpful mentors.”
For other schools that have a grade level system as the same as LACES but lacks this program should consider implementing one as it helps the school run smoothly and assists students in different grade levels get together as one big family.
