A carefully developed seminar for a group of freshmen unfolded at Huntington High School earlier this month. The goal of the annual program is to provide participating students with tools essential to their transition into the building.
The initiative played out over the course of three fun filled mornings. Faculty members Suzi Biagi, Steve Lashin and Erica Murphy-Jessen led sessions in the program. “The kids spent their time learning, exploring and getting acclimated to becoming a ninth grader,” Ms. Biagi said.
Freshman seminar activities and relationships have played an essential role in helping students make the transition from middle to high school and in helping them to understand how success in high school serves as an important stepping stone toward the same in their post-secondary endeavors.
Seminar topics included everything from getting to know each another, the process of self-assessment, learning styles and how to use them to the best of one’s ability to study skills and time management.
There were discussions on peer pressure, bullying, staying safe, available school resources, “go-to” people, lockers, schedules, goal setting, organizational tips and career exploration.
“Students participated in group activities, practiced their public speaking skills, went on a photo scavenger hunt to learn more about the building, utilized teamwork and analytical skills while doing a survivor activity, went shopping for school supplies that were expressly purchased and donated just for them this year and so much more,” Ms. Biagi said.
The incoming ninth graders met with their freshman seminar alums in Class of 2016 grad Justin Waite and Class of 2020 members Yajaira Torres and Mariela Arias. The freshmen asked the visitors questions and listened as the alums spoke about their own experiences in the building and offered advice
Participants analyzed their personal learning style and the best way to study based on that style. The ninth graders were also interested in hearing about the extracurricular clubs and sports teams available to high school students.
“When the freshmen were asked about their favorite parts of the three days they responded the scavenger hunt, survivor activity, seeing their friends, learning about the building and discussing learning styles and time management, not to mention the pizza and sweets shared on the last day,” Ms. Biagi said.