IHS Needs to Reevaluate Freshmen Orientation

The transition to high school is challenging for many, with higher expectations, harder classes, and a new environment. In eighth grade, students are introduced to high school with a discussion panel led by their middle school counselors, visits from IHS administration, a field trip to IHS, and a day-long orientation on the first day of school. Students sit on the bleachers in the gym and watch a presentation about assault and vaping. While this introductory program may sound like enough to support the incoming class, more could be done to improve the quality of this orientation. To better support the incoming class, the Tattler Editorial Board advocates for an expanded buddy system with upperclassmen mentors and an in-depth presentation of graduation requirements, scheduling, and examples of the many paths toward graduation.
Students entering high school often struggle to develop time management skills, acclimate to the increased workload, and foster relationships with teachers and administrators. In a survey conducted by the Tattler Editorial Board, over half of freshman class respondents expressed that they experienced difficulty in classes. If interactions between upperclassmen mentors and incoming freshmen were prioritized, perhaps through an extension of the buddy system, students would enter high school confidently with a more developed understanding of their new environment.
‎‎ Although school-wide initiatives have yet to gain great traction, similar programs have been implemented on a smaller scale. The IHS Ambassadors (formerly Link Crew) also host events dedicated to helping freshmen feel at home at IHS. “We did our best to make the freshmen welcome, help them navigate around the school, and get excited for the years to come,” said Noam Ben-Shlomo ’24, the president of IHS Ambassadors. In addition, the IHS Choir has a team of upperclassmen mentors who help new singers acclimatize to high school. Kristin Zaryski, the choir teacher at IHS, initiated the program to promote “in-class mentorship, inspiration, and support” for younger students, consisting of independent and community-wide activities. “For some new students, having a guaranteed Choir Buddy has been such a helpful way to begin the school year,” Ms. Zaryski explained. “We want everyone to feel like they belong and having the older singers welcome new folks in with such individual attention makes a big difference.” Implementing a school-wide program that is offered to the entire freshman class would provide them with the same feeling of mentorship and support as they enter high school. Upperclassmen buddies would guide their freshman buddies as they navigate their first year, answering questions and providing them with a sense of support. This buddy system could be expanded in various ways; incoming freshmen could fill out a form if they were interested in participating and be matched with upperclassmen according to their interests and preferences. To incentivize upperclassmen to volunteer for the buddy system, the program could be offered as volunteer hours, which are required by the National Honor Society and the class “participation in government.”
 Beyond a buddy system, other aspects of the freshman orientation should be modified for clarity and accessibility. The transition to the traditional one to one hundred scale can confuse students accustomed to the standards-based grading from middle school, and the many paths to graduation are a source of anxiety for many. Some materials, like the Program of Studies and the Student Handbook, can be useful, but students are often unaware of these resources or find them difficult to understand. Additionally, a lack of awareness about and access to guidance counselor meetings leaves students feeling unsupported during their transition to IHS. Providing students with a wide variety of accessible resources like school-wide presentations on the school’s grading system, class requirements, and support staff will benefit them as they map out their four-year path to graduation.
 The current freshman orientation program at IHS is a strong start, but its effectiveness in the long term can be improved. By enhancing the freshman orientation program by implementing a buddy system and providing a comprehensive explanation of four-year paths toward graduation, students will be more prepared and confident as they integrate into the IHS community. These improvements would contribute to a more supportive and inclusive school environment, ultimately benefiting the entire student body.