The Freshman Academy supply lists for September 2007:
Click here for Team A
Click here for Team B
Click here for Team C
 

Panther Camp helps create a positive freshman experience for incoming 9th grade students

Incoming 9th grade students were introduced to their new school Aug. 23-24, 2006 at Monticello High School's first annual Panther Camp. The program, which is the school's new  freshman orientation, was not just an introduction to the school - it was designed to help students “break the ice” with their peers and hopefully begin new friendships.

Panther Camp was also a way of introducing and reinforcing team-building skills, which will be a major aspect of this year’s new Freshman Experience. Funded by a five-year federal grant, the program was developed to help smooth the transition from middle to high school by grouping students and teachers into a smaller learning environment or school-within-a-school.

During the orientation camp, students were split into three teams: A, B and C - where they will remain for the whole school year. High School Principal Arleene Siegel-Lerner and the new assistant principal Rafael Marquez -who will be working specifically with the 9th grade class - spoke to the new high school students. Marquez basically told the students that if they want to be treated like adults, they need to respect others and they would get that respect in return. Many of the team teachers were also present and introduced themselves, stating what they teach, school clubs they run, and some of their personal hobbies.
 

Then it was time for the fun to begin. Divided into small groups that were led by upperclassmen, student participated in a variety of team-building activities, including “The 224 Maze,” “The Cube” and “The Amazon River.” The activities, which focused on physical and mental problem-solving skills, created a relaxed environment for the students to work together and get to know each other. For many of the students, the overall atmosphere quickly went from anxious to one of excitement and enjoyment. It was also apparent that many new friendships were beginning to form.

The students were also treated to a snack, participated in a scavenger hunt, and watched a video on the high school’s new PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) initiative program. An alternative to traditional discipline program, PBIS rewards students who behave in the proper manner with positive rewards, such as open gym time, movie night or gift certificates to local retail stores.

The program concluded with a brief orientation for parents, who had the opportunity to ask questions and meet the high school staff.

Providing a smooth transition to high school
When the incoming class of ninth graders enters Monticello High School this fall, they won't have to worry about getting lost in the crowd.

They'll already know each other, their teachers, and their new school. As members of the first class to experience Monticello's new Freshman Experience, the students will benefit from a more personalized learning environment that is designed to ease their transition from middle school. A school-within-a school, the Freshman Experience will be taught be a team of teachers who will work together to develop common instructional themes and activities to give the ninth graders a proper start in high school.

Easing the transition
The goal is to create more personalized relationships among teachers and students, and to provide students with the support they need to succeed.

A developing trend in secondary education, smaller learning communities focus on the academic and social developmental needs of students. Using funding from a $796,000 federal Smaller Learning Communities Grant, the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) Committee - which consists of parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and students - worked for more than one year to develop strategies to create a smaller, more personalized learning environment at Monticello High School.

Federal grant funding costs
The SLC Committee's first task was to create the Freshman Experience. 

In the spring of 2006, the teachers who volunteered to be part of the Freshman Experience traveled to Wake Forrest, NC, to participate in a SLC Design Studio at one of the growing number of high schools that's benefiting from restructuring

The teachers and SLC Committee examined several successful smaller learning community models and developed a freshman structure that meets the needs of Monticello students and staff.

While the restructuring process does not involve plans to alter the high school's physical environment, the SLC Committee is making many noticeable changes. These initiatives include revising class schedules and extracurricular activities, forming academic teams, and adding a student advisory program.

And, special care is being taken to ensure that all parties involved - teachers, staff and students - participate in team building programs prior to the opening of school in September. Freshman Experience teachers already completed professional development training that focused on teacher collaboration and provided strategies for academic teaming.

A positive freshman experience
Incoming ninth graders will have an opportunity to get to know one another and to learn more about their new school this summer at Freshman Orientation Camp. All freshmen will be invited to attend one of two half-day orientation programs, scheduled for August 23 and 24. The programs, which are being facilitated by upper classmen, will include building tours and team building activities.

At a large school, students - particularly the ninth graders - often feel isolated and disconnected. The summer orientation and other restructuring initiatives are designed to address these issues so that all Monticello ninth graders will have a positive freshman experience.

For more information on the Freshman Experience, call 794-8840, ext. 10915.