Student Transition Program
Welcome to Yokosuka Middle School!
Student Ambassador Program – Supporting Transitions with Heart
At Yokosuka Middle School (YMS), we understand that military life brings unique challenges—frequent moves, new environments, and the stress of starting over. That’s why we created the Student Ambassador Program—a student-led initiative designed to support both incoming and departing students through every step of their transition journey.
Our mission is to ensure every student feels welcomed, valued, and connected from the moment they step onto campus to the day they say goodbye. We believe that building friendships and fostering a sense of belonging are key to student success, especially during times of change.
How Our Ambassadors Support New Students:
- Personalized Campus Tours:Â Ambassadors guide new students through the school, pointing out key areas like the cafeteria, library, and their classrooms based on their schedule.
- Face-to-Face Onboarding Sessions: These sessions include a warm introduction to YMS life, helpful resources, tips for success, and welcome packets filled with information and school swag.
- Interest-Based Pairing: New students are paired with ambassadors who share common interests, helping them get involved in school clubs, sports, and social events.
- Events & Activities:Â Ambassadors host events such as ice cream socials and welcome lunches, creating relaxed opportunities for students to make connections and build friendships.
Supporting Departing Students:
We also support students who are preparing to leave YMS. Our ambassadors organize heartfelt farewell activities, such as goodbye lunches and memory-sharing moments, ensuring students feel recognized and appreciated for their time at our school.
Enriching Experiences:
In addition to our on-campus efforts, our program includes cultural exploration. This year, our Student Ambassadors took trips beyond the school gates—visiting local malls and experiencing the vibrant streets of Chinatown in Yokohama—strengthening their leadership skills and cultural awareness.
At YMS, you’re not just joining a school—you’re joining a community that cares.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Dragon family!
For more information, contact:
Ms. Michelle Morales
Pacific Transition Coordinator & Student Ambassador Advisor
michelle.morales@dodea.edu
Each new student is escorted during a whole school familiarization tour by a student ambassador whose main responsibilities are to help understand their schedule, find their class locations, provide informal onboarding, answer questions, and help to meet other Dragons with common classes and interests.
As part of the transition program, families can request for some one-on-one onboarding sessions during the new student's lunch and recess time on A-Days. The transition coordinator trains and delegates the delivery of sessions to student ambassadors. Topics such as geography, basic language and manners, food, sports, and holidays can be shared during the sessions.
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The Student Transition Program counselors and ambassadors assist newly arriving students with finding community within their new school. Learn more about the Pacific Region’s Student Transition program
Contact the Yokosuka MS STP Coordinator(s):
- Ms. Michelle Morales (6-8 Grade)
- Mr. Thomas Wingert (5th Grade)
Learn more about the DoDEA Pacific region's Student Transition Program
