Hoquiam High School kicked off its initial GrizzlyFusion mentoring program this week with one day of training Thursday and another of games and activities on Friday.

The program is designed to ease the transition from junior high to high school. GrizzlyFusion will employ upperclassmen and adults to emphasize positive relationships and help students make decisions that lead to success and involvement in the school community.

The project is the brainchild of Assistant Principal Jason Ihde and Principal Brock Maxfield. It is based on a successful program used by a school in Joplin, Mo., with the intent of improving grades and creating a desire for kids to stay in school longer.

“Last year 27 percent of our freshman had at least one F grade,” Ihde said. “So we are trying to build community, help them feel important, and teach them to become successful.”

Ihde said about half of the incoming freshmen showed up for this week’s event designed to give them the opportunity to fit in. Thirty-five fusion leaders and adult mentors were on hand to do just that.

Along with teachers, the mentors will work as part of a three-four person team with a freshman throughout their first year by meeting them four days a week during their 35 minute navigation period.

“When the students don’t feel connected, they have a greater propensity to drop out,” Ihde said. “So we asked the question, ‘how do we prevent our freshmen from failing?’”

The GrisslyFusion program was the result. It is hoped that it will increase motivation and inspire students to succeed.