Freshman Orientation. |
A school's culture is a complex pattern of norms, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, values, ceremonies, traditions, and myths that are deeply ingrained in the very core of the organization. It is the historically transmitted pattern of meaning that wields astonishing power in shaping what people think and how they act.
~ Roland Barth
Exploring a Freshman Orientation/Mentorship Program
Since March 2020 our schools have experienced a significant amount of change and unpredictability. For our students, this has meant a disruption of their learning, relationships, and personal growth. As a school community, we have been working to return to normal while also recognizing that the unique challenges presented by the pandemic require some thoughtful and intentional actions.
One of the ways to approach this challenge is to develop an expanded freshman orientation and/or mentorship program. Through these efforts, it’s our hope to support the newest members of our school community in developing the skills, sense of belonging, and personal connections necessary for success in high school.
One of the ways to approach this challenge is to develop an expanded freshman orientation and/or mentorship program. Through these efforts, it’s our hope to support the newest members of our school community in developing the skills, sense of belonging, and personal connections necessary for success in high school.
Articulating Our Why
In this session we'll work collaboratively to brainstorm the variety of ways we can help to introduce our students to Nipmuc. However, before focusing on the "what" of an orientation, let's take a moment to articulate "our why". Answer the prompt, "Why is it important - now more than ever - to provide an expanded orientation/mentorship program for the Class of 2026?"
Orientation Brainstorming
We started our workshop by focusing on "the why" of developing an orientation/mentoring program. Now, let's take a few minutes to consider the types of information that would be helpful and important for our incoming students to know. On the larger sticky notes available at today's workshop, you'll find a series of prompts that will help us quickly gather key ideas from everyone who is part of today's session.
The instructions for this activity are simple:
The instructions for this activity are simple:
- Choose a sticky note that includes a prompt about the freshman experience.
- Next find someone with a different prompt.
- Ask your partner the question on your sticky note and record their answer on your sticky note. You may want to work at a table so that you can easily record your partner's answer.
- When you have finished with the first prompt, your partner will ask you their question. They will take notes as you answer.
- We will switch post-it notes/prompts and partners several times to continue collecting responses.
- Finally - please post your answers in the appropriate locations in the PDC.
Check out the responses of the activity below:
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Orientation Design Challenge: 5 Questions
Through this part of the workshop, we've tapped into the reasons why this is important work and brainstormed some of the topics/ideas that will help freshmen make a successful transition to high school. Our next step is to design some activities, lessons, or presentations that will turn these ideas into action. Included below are some questions to guide your work. Question #1: What should be the focus of the activity, lesson, or presentation you are designing? As you work on designing an activity, lesson, or presentation keep in mind the focus areas that are highlighted on the graphic organizer. These include belonging, school vision & goals, study & technology skills, Nipmuc traditions, norms (behavior), and supports & resources. It's likely that any idea you choose will fall under one of these categories. If not, feel free to add a category of your own. |
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Question #2: When and where will this activity, lesson, or presentation take place?
Most of our action steps will take place in the following times/locations: orientation, social events, lesson plans, advisory activities, and integrated into student life. Keep these options in mind as you plan. If you have a different suggestion, feel free to add it!
Question #3: What's the objective(s) of the activity, lesson, or presentation?
Taking the time to write clear objectives helps to make your work as intentional as possible. We recommend starting each objective with a verb to make it actionable!
Question #4: What does the activity look like in action?
Use bullet statements to capture what students and teachers are doing. Provide as much details as possible to help us understand how to implement your idea.
Question #5: What's the impact?
Write out what the desired outcome of this activity, lesson, or presentation. Think from the perspective of students. It can be helpful to complete the phrase... "The impact of this activity on students is..."