Empowering the Incoming Class—With Purpose, Belonging, and Portrait of a Graduate Skills
A strong start builds more than confidence! Lets build capacity.
The Ignite Transitions System helps your incoming 9th graders step into high school with purpose, clarity, and connection.
Through mentor-led Spring Readiness Visits and a powerful Fall Orientation, students are guided by upperclassmen who model what it means to lead and belong.
See our program in action
This two-part, student-led system ensures that every freshman is supported, and set up to succeed. They will be ready to strengthen the Portrait of a Graduate skills that matter most.
This is more than orientation. It’s a launchpad for student success!
Supporting better attendance, stronger connections, and a campus culture where leadership and learning align
Spring Transitions: Building Confidence Before Day One Our Spring programming begins with 2–3 student mentor visits to feeder schools or on-site meetups. These early connections help future students ease nerves, break down myths, and start to picture themselves as part of your school.
Session Highlights:
- Looking Ahead – What is 9th grade really like? Students debunk myths, calm anxiety, and form authentic connections.
- Looking In – What makes a successful student? Mentors guide incoming students in reflecting on habits, attitudes, and goals.
- Looking Toward Success – What strengths do I bring? Students map out involvement opportunities and set goals for a strong start and gain understanding of the importance of a GPA.
Bonus Add-On: Spring Orientation Event
Wrap up the year with a half-day student-led event on your campus! Includes a rally, tour, and small group activities and discussions on school culture, relationships, and mindset.
Fall Orientation: Make It Count on Day One so Connections Begin & Confidence Grows.
Kick off the school year with a high-energy, mentor-led welcome!
Fall Orientation ensures your incoming class starts with clarity, confidence, and connectedness!
Fall Orientation Includes:
- Welcome assembly
- Large Group Activities
- Campus tours/scavenger hunt led by student mentors
- Breakout sessions on attitude, involvement, and expectations
- Mentor-led reflections and Q&As
- Club showcases and opportunities to connect
Popular Breakout Themes:
- Dream Big: Positive mindsets and Raising expectations
- Deal with It: Overcoming Drama and Shaping a respectful culture
- Adapting to Other: How to find your people and make real connections
- Taking Risks: The importance of setting goals and working together.
Program Outcomes Whether you run one or both, Ignite’s Transitions Systems:
- Increase 9th grade confidence and readiness
- Build peer-to-peer connection and reduce anxiety
- Strengthen academic focus and goal setting
- Support smoother behavior transitions increasing attendance
- Boost involvement and long-term school pride
- Empower students to lead and take ownership of school culture
Support your incoming students. Empower your student leaders. Strengthen your school culture—before and beyond the first day!
Let’s build a Transitions System that works for your school.
Our proven spring transitions program is led by your current student leaders
Ignite’s Signature 4 Step System
