Benefits of 6th graders staying in elementary school instead of jr. high.

Does anybody have any resources or feedback they can give me as to the benefits of afterschool programs between elementary and jr. highs. Our district has a task force to see what the benefits would be to keep 6th grade students in elementary school instead of jr. high. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

Joanne Hays
Pittsburg Unified School District
Pittsburg, CA 94565