School to Community Connection
May 22, 2002

Issue 25

 

School to School Transition Programs

 

The transition between schools and grades has traditionally been an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. However, there are programs in place to welcome incoming students and parents to both the junior and senior high schools. These programs present basic information about the many opportunities at both schools, give incoming students and parents a chance to ask questions and provide a safety net.

 

Junior High School

In the spring, 6th grade parents are invited to attend evening orientation meetings with junior high administrators. At these meetings, the principal, vice principal and counselor describe the junior high school experience including academics, extracurricular programs, PE, grading, dress code, schedules, and parent involvement. They then open the meeting to questions. Three meetings are scheduled – one at Foss Creek, one at HES and one at the junior high. Parents are invited to attend any or all of these meetings. This year the schedule is May 14 at Foss Creek School, May 22 at HES, and May 29 at the junior high.  All meetings begin at 6:30 pm. In addition the junior high counselor offers to meet one on one with those parents who want more information.

 

In the fall, a School Readiness Faire is held a few days before school begins. This is a day for submitting all paperwork, receiving class schedules and textbooks, getting yearbook photos taken, getting an assigned locker, and purchasing PE clothes. Upperclassmen are on hand to provide tours of the campus and answer all questions. Students are encouraged to become familiar with their route from class to class in order to feel comfortable on the first day of school.

 

During the first few days of school, staff pay extra attention to 7th graders as they adjust to the new school. And students and parents are provided with handbooks containing important information about school rules, schedules, activities and staff contacts.

 

High School

In the spring, high school counselors send the HHS Course Catalog and registration information home with each 8th grader to be reviewed by the student and parents together. A few days later the counselors meet with students for a few minutes during school to discuss their fall class schedule selections.

 

Student Peer Counselors from the high school put on a welcome program at the junior high to introduce them to the many programs and activities at HHS. This year’s presentation is scheduled for May 31 at 10:45 am.

 

In the fall, upperclassmen put on a special orientation program for incoming freshmen on the day of registration. This program, called Freshmen Upperclassmen New Friends (FUN), includes a presentation of what to expect at HHS, small group guided tours of the campus and a BBQ lunch during which freshmen can get acquainted with upperclassmen. In addition, freshmen are given the name of an upperclassman that they can turn to anytime for advice and answers to any questions. Lastly, students receive a combined student handbook/assignment book with all school rules and a complete schedule of all school activities.

 

By Pat Louvau