Summer has come and passed, and new faces have arrived at our school.
Although it was extremely nerve racking for the class of 2010 to enter this unknown territory known as high school, it was a little easier for some of our freshmen this year, as many of them attended the Freshmen Academy, a seminar to help incoming high school students become familiar with the school and help them to understand their new learning environment.
For three weeks freshmen and their parents worked together as partners on scavenger hunts, drum circles and organizing an international café. The students learned about leadership, teamwork, and how important these two characteristics are at our school.
“Teamwork was the most important thing I learned — that even though a leader comes up with an idea, that idea can change and grow when others on the team add to it,” said freshmen, Victoria Manzo.
During the three week academy, students were asked to make a PowerPoint presentation to share 25 things about themselves.Through this project the freshmen learned about themselves, each other and their new school. So, attending their first day of school was easier since they already made some friends and enjoyed one anothers company.
“I see how successfully it [Freshman Academy] was done. Mark worked on an amazing PowerPoint presentation about himself, having never used PowerPoint before. It was three weeks he really enjoyed,” said
Michelle Magrone, mother of freshmen student, Mark Magrone.
Later, on September 15th, parents were given the opportunity to follow their child’s schedule and experience being a student at our school. The majority of the attendees on Simulated School Night were parents of freshmen.
“I was pleased with the turnout of the freshmen parents. They were eager to meet teachers and to see what the school day is like from a student’s perspective. I was disappointed in the turnout of upper classmen since very few participated,” said Parent Coordinator, Mrs.Annette Lentini.
Simulated School night is extremely important in our school. It allows parents to interact with teachers and other students’ parents. Also, the experience allowsthe parents a run-through of what their child does in school each day.
“The purpose of a simulated school night is to convey to parents what their children will learn in their classes, what teachers expect, and how parents can help support their child in school,” explained principal, Ms.Aimee Horowitz.
Although there are over one hundred new students in the school, there are not as many new teachers.
Still, most of the freshmen agree that all their teachers are nice, understanding, calm and patient.
“A majority of my teachers are nice; they’re very patient and friendly. When you don’t understand something they help you out,” said freshman Shantel Rowe.
Likewise, parents agree that our school is a unique learning environment for their children.
“I feel that they will prepare my child with a diversified education in worldly events and different cultures. My daughter will have knowledge of everything that is happening in the world today, and that will give her a great start in college,” said Lisa Morganti, mother of Alyssa Morganti.
Many of the freshmen have joined sports teams and will begin to join clubs as soon as after school programs are made available. They have also realized that our school is very different from other high schools. Our school is a friendly, globally aware environment.
Although the class of 2009 is gone, our hallways are filled with new faces, eager to meet the upperclassmen and begin their high school years.
