This week we have 49 freshman attending Jump Start- a wonderful opportunity for these students to meet some staff members, learn how to navigate the high school and connect with friends. The staff has put together a exciting agenda for the three says that these students are with us. I greeted the students when they arrived on Tuesday (and recognized most of the them from the middle school) and heard some of the reasons they are attending this week: "To find my way around the school"; To get some ideas about my future" and, of course, "Because my mother made me!"
The students are learning about high school in a fun way that should take some of the anxiety out of their first days. They are finding out where everything is located at the school by taking part in a scavenger hunt; are exploring how to set goals; will be taking a field trip to "College Camp"; and are even getting lessons in such things as note-taking. Probably one of the most important and invaluable activities the students will take part in is meeting with upperclassmen. The sophomores, juniors and seniors will answer questions for the students that will, hopefully, help them adjust to life at high school and provide them with some insights.
This is just one of the transition plans in place at our schools to help with the change from one building to another. We have move-up day for the 4th grade to the middle school; parent night at the middle and high schools; have our 4th grade teachers meet with students at the elementary school; and, at all levels, guidance counselors meet with teachers, parents and students. It is so important that our students are ready for new challenges and are prepared for the changes from one school to another.
If you have a student in the 8th grade this year, keep in mind our Jump Start program. Students who have attended in the past all tell me this was a smart choice and made the opening days of school so much easier.
A big "thank-you" to the staff members who planned the activities and set up this terrific opportunity for our students: Bill Hayes, Randy Lacasse, Kim Moyer, Liz Koch, Tom Koch, Clare Pare, and Ann Roman.
