'Way of the Wolf' inspires local middle schoolers

West Clermont Schools

Posted Friday, August 7, 2026 10:30 am

by Anthony Palmer
Chief Editor

BATAVIA — West Clermont Middle School has started a new program to help sixth-grade students build the skills and mindset they need for academic success. The Way of the Wolf aims to support youth development while offering pathways for students to explore future career opportunities.

West Clermont students prepare for the future.

Teachers Nicole Bass and Tonya Van Winkle lead The Way of the Wolf, a course that helps students adjust as they move from elementary to middle school. This transition introduces new academic demands, more independence, and fosters positive social changes. Bass and Van Winkle created the course to guide students through these changes and teach them lifelong skills.

The curriculum blends leadership development, personal responsibility, and career exploration into one organized system. Students build habits that help them make good decisions and communicate as they set goals. The course draws on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and aligns with the West Clermont School District's Portrait of a Graduate, which lists the qualities students should have before graduation.

Instead of focusing just on academics, The Way of the Wolf encourages students to take charge of their learning and build skills they can use every day. Lessons highlight leadership and teamwork, which are two important skills valued by the workforce in Clermont County.

These lessons also help students grow by showing how discipline relates to their well-being and future careers.

Photo: @westcler Instagram

One of the program's most recent experiences came from the guest speakers who introduced students to a wide range of professions. Fifteen local professionals visited the classroom to share their career paths and explain how they overcame challenges along the way.

Students listened to professionals from fields like nursing, sports and entertainment, welding, architecture, engineering, banking, law enforcement, fire and EMS, skilled trades, manufacturing, HVAC, human resources, printing, and consulting.

These talks helped students learn about careers they might not have thought about before. They also put a face to many of these industries, enabling them to envision themselves in similar roles.

Research suggests that career exploration should begin as early as sixth grade. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, students benefit most from career exploration during this stage because they begin to develop meaningful self-awareness, planning abilities, and employability skills that influence future educational and career decisions.

Sixth graders learning core brain development skills.

The Way of the Wolf encourages curious students to ask questions that may further their interest in a path. Many of the teachers and mentors in the program have real-world wisdom that students can draw on during their lessons. These holistic teaching methods go beyond just pen-and-paper homework.

District leaders hope the initiative gives students a stronger foundation for academic success while building confidence and a clearer vision for the future.

The program also relies on local professionals who are willing to share their time and experience with students. West Clermont Schools continues to accept volunteers and guest speakers for upcoming special guest slots. Interested parties can contact Angela Basler.

As The Way of the Wolf enters another school year, Bass and Van Winkle hope the lessons students learn in sixth grade will extend far beyond the classroom.

Learn more about upcoming youth programs by subscribing to Connect Clermont.