I began to think of some of the better Freshman Transition programs that I have delivered over the years and the reasons why it went well. One that stuck out in my mind was a Freshman Transition program that I presented last year in my hometown of Norwalk.
It was in April so I was getting my 8th grade audience ready for high school the following year. Before I presented to the group the counselors had a panel of about 10 current High School Seniors. For 30 minutes the counselors asked the HS seniors questions focusing on do’s/don’ts advice the seniors had experienced over their four years in high school. There was plenty of time for the 8th graders to ask the seniors questions too.
The seniors talked about almost every topic I was going to discuss such as study habits, time management, classes to take, getting off to a good start because “Now it counts” as far as Grade Point Average, extra-curricular activities and many others. So when it came time for me to talk, I could actually use some of the examples those seniors had mentioned. It really enhanced and had greater impact on what I was saying, when they had just heard it from their peers.
I know many other school counselors who do something similar to this. For those that don’t and are looking to have a greater impact on their Freshman Transition program, I would highly encourage giving this a try.
For parents of 8th graders, I would suggest find a good upper classman to talk with your son or daughter about what life in high school will be like - the good and the bad, as well as the right and wrong way to do things. The 8th graders themselves may be a little intimidated trying to find an upper classman themselves so parents could certainly help with this involvement.
High school juniors and seniors, I would encourage you to look for ways to mentor new students coming into your high school. It would be a great benefit to them and also wouldn’t hurt to have that experience listed on an Activities Resume, which could help with some Scholarship Applications.
Erick - ICAN Ankeny and Des Moines Centers
