GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Sixth graders at Westridge Middle School in Grand Island are only a few weeks into their new lives as middle schoolers, and from learning a new building to figuring out exactly what homework is– these students are embarking on a whole new journey in life.

The Grand Island Public School district works to make this transition as smooth as possible by putting a spin on your typical homeroom class; at Westridge it’s called “Cougar Time,” a nod to the school’s mascot.

During “Cougar Time” students go over basics such as setting goals, reviewing classroom expectations but also dive deeper and allow students to connect with their emotions and build connections.

“For sixth graders specifically, it’s their first year in middle school so that’s when we answer a lot of

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