Meerkat mentors help incoming sixth graders start middle school with confidence
Fairfield, CA (September 9, 2026) – Starting middle school can sometimes feel like a big transition, but at Matt Garcia Career & College Academy (MGCCA), incoming sixth graders had a team of friendly faces ready to help.
The school’s seventh- and eighth-grade Safe School Ambassadors recently welcomed incoming sixth graders through the Meerkat Mentor Challenge, pairing students in small groups to learn names, explore the campus, and talk about what it means to be Safe, Responsible, and Respectful.
Principal Shabana Johnson said the peer-to-peer experience helped students feel more comfortable as they began a new chapter, and now, only a few weeks into the school year, she is already seeing the positive impact. “We’re already seeing those relationships make a difference. Our sixth graders have familiar faces they can turn to, and they’re coming into school with more confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.”
The sixth graders especially enjoyed touring the campus, finding important locations like the lunchroom, and getting to know their older student mentors. Ambassadors also shared honest advice about what they wished they had known in sixth grade, lessons they learned from mistakes, and activities they recommended joining.
“Starting a new school year can be overwhelming, but seeing our older students step up as mentors shows the true heart of our district,” said FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs. “When students feel supported by their peers from day one, it creates a foundation of confidence and belonging that carries through their entire educational journey."
The Safe School Ambassadors Program gives students the skills and tools to support their classmates, especially building their understanding of how to speak up when they witness bullying, harassment and cyber-bullying in their school. Most importantly, the Meerkat Mentor Challenge gave each incoming sixth grader a familiar face on campus. Their mentors will continue checking in, answering questions and helping them feel connected throughout the school year.
