STUDENT-LED TRANSITION TEAM

The St. Xavier School student-led transition team for military-connected students is a key component of school-based support, designed to foster peer mentorship, social integration, and a welcoming environment for new students. The team is a vital to our school’s efforts to provide for the significant number of military-connected students in Geary County, promoting a sense of belonging and community. 
​Role of Student-Led Transition Team
  • Peer Mentorship: Student ambassadors welcome new military-connected students, providing tours, answering questions, and helping them navigate the school culture.
  • Welcoming Environment: The team fosters a sense of belonging to mitigate the social-emotional challenges of frequent moves.
  • Support During Deployment: The team offers support for students experiencing parental absences due to deployment or training. 
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Key Components of Student-Led Transition Team
  • Program: The transition team is open to elementary, middle, and high school students focusing on leadership, academics, service, and building relationships. Group activities will be offered monthly including hail and farewell ceremonies, meet and greets, PTO sponsored Month of the Military Child events, and community outreach.
  • Peer Mentoring: Existing students act as buddies, offering tours, introducing classmates, and helping with school procedures.

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Goals and Benefits of Student-Led Transition Team
  • Reducing Anxiety: The program aims to lower the stress associated with frequent moves and new environments.
  • Creating a Welcoming Culture: The team ensures that new students feel comfortable and connected immediately.
  • Providing Support Systems: These initiatives provide essential support, especially during deployments or reintegration periods. 

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Contacts
Kara Guthrie
US Army Veteran
Student-Led Transition Team Coordinator 
7-12 Science Teacher
St. Francis Xavier School
​785-238-2841
[email protected]

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