“Have No Fear, Your Mentor is Here!” Planning and Executing a Successful Freshman Orientation Day with Student Mentors Presented by: Lori Wallace, Freshman Academy Coordinator Mitzi Quinn, Student Mentor Advisor Bastrop High School April 25, 2008

Application, Selection, and Training of Student Mentors Applications for student mentors are completed and turned in by April (hand-out of application) Mentor training in July Planning day in August to make signs and prepare for Kick Start Day

Gearing Up for Kick Start Day Flyers with date and time passed out at feeder schools in May to all incoming freshmen Information published in local paper one week before the event Held the week before the official start of school from 2:00-5:00

Ram Kick Start Day Procedures Parents drop off students before 2:00 outside the gym Mentors stand outside with signs and balloons to welcome incoming freshmen Students are given a handout with group numbers, names in each group and mentor information (see example) and an agenda Students are ushered into the gym

Ram Kick Start Day Activities Administrators, freshman academy staff, and mentors are introduced Cheerleaders, Star Steppers, and Pep Squad put on a welcome Pep Rally Students break into six areas (5 groups in each area) for break out sessions – Mentors move to each group with 10 minutes in each session to cover the break-out topics

Break Out Bonanza 1.Time Management: How to use planners 2.Expectations: Dress code, Time Out, Detention, IDs, Consequences for Violating Rules 3.Attendance: Tardy Policy, Check-in/Check-out, Consequences 4.Getting Involved at BHS: Extra-curricular activities, Homecoming applications, Clubs, Sports 5.Accountability: GEE, Grades, Graduation Requirements, Carnegie Units, Grade Point Averages (4.0 GPA now), NCAA Clearinghouse 6.Stress Management: Counselors, Where to go with questions

After Break Out Sessions Mentors gather their groups Mentors pass out note cards with locker numbers and combinations to each student Each mentor takes their group of 10 on a comprehensive tour of the school Mentors instruct students on how to open lockers

Following Up with Freshman Mentors keep a log for the school year Mentors are responsible for making contact with their students AT LEAST once a month Examples: Mentors send positive notes of encouragement, some gave their students on honor roll a certificate and McDonald’s gift cards, etc.

Contact Information Cynthia Atlas Principal (318) Lori Wallace Freshman Academy Coordinator (318) Mitzi Quinn Student Mentor Advisor (318)