PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Jennifer Mancaniello, English High School vice principal, leads Wednesday’s training session for the facilitators of freshman orientation.
By Michele Durgin
Lynn English High School’s freshmen will get a glimpse into their new home on Orientation Day on Wednesday, August 31.
Jennifer Mancaniello, vice principal, hosted a training session Wednesday for 80 staff and student volunteers. They will serve as facilitators at the day-long program. It is designed to alleviate new school jitters, provide an overview of the school’s schedule and an understanding of the building’s floor plan.
Each of the facilitators was given a folder filled with handouts that explain several ice breaker activities to use with the teens. One activity, “Did You Know” asks the student to find other students in the group who have broken a bone, hiked in Lynn Woods or used a pay phone. Another activity planned for the large group of teens is a 45-minute team scavenger hunt. It helps them learn where classrooms, offices, library, gym, and cafeteria are located and meet staff.
The day concluded with a feedback session. The volunteers were asked to share their opinions and offer advice to improve the event’s agenda. All agreed that the scheduled activities would provide the new students with a positive experience.
Making the transition from middle school to high school can be an overwhelming experience, said Mancaniello.
She said by reserving a day to familiarize new students with the school they will call home for four years is the first of many memories they will take with them when graduation day arrives.
Michael Lopez, a drama teacher, said he hopes freshmen will sense the school’s spirit of community.
“The feeling of belonging is real and it is something we all try to promote and model for the students entrusted to our care,” he said.
