Freshman Trio Planning Freshman Orientation

Freshman Transition Program A year-long process Involves each component of the Freshman Trio: –Advisories serve as the core of the freshman transition program –Student-led Conferences provide a way to engage parents –Freshman Orientation begins students’ transition

What the Research Says A study by the American Medical Association demonstrated that the two factors that consistently protected adolescents from unhealthy behaviors were positive relationships with parents and teachers. “When students feel connected to their teachers, fairly treated, and part of the school, they are less likely to use drugs, drink alcohol, smoke or have early sex.” (Cummings, 2000, p. 1)

Monahan Study Disciplinary Infractions 66% decrease in disciplinary infractions

Monahan Study Student Absences 59% decrease in student absences

Monahan Study Involvement in School Activities 70% increase in at-risk students’ participation in school-related social activities.

Planning Freshman Orientation Review of what freshmen need Planning and Implementation Guide Resources

What do freshmen feel? Planners who design the most effective freshmen orientation programs know they must address how freshmen feel about starting high school before they can expect students to perform well academically. Research indicates most freshmen feel: –Overwhelmed –Bewildered –Intimidated –Anxious –Frustrated

What are freshmen worried about? Will I be able to make friends in this new school? Will I be able to get to class on time? Will I get lost? Will upperclassmen pick on me? Will I be safe here? Who are my teachers? What are the rules? What happens if you get in trouble? Will I be able to handle the work?

What do freshmen need? They need to make friends. They need to be able to like and trust at least one adult who cares about them at school. They need to meet their teachers & school administrators. They need to get to know some upperclassmen. They need to know rules, routines and procedures. They need to know they’re way around school. They need their families to understand what’s expected of them.

Best Practices Welcome students and give them a sense that they are an important part of the school community. Start advisories and give students and advisors plenty of opportunities to get to know each other and work together. Give students experiences that help them become familiar with the school’s physical layout, its procedures, and its routines. Introduce teachers and administrators to students and their families. Sponsor events that welcome and involve families. Teach time management and study skills.

Freshman Trio Guides Implementation Guide –Teamwork and Community Building Activities –Pragmatic Activities –Ideas for involving parents –Assessment tools –Resources Planning Guide –Research –Planning assessment –Planning next year