Freshman Seminar a Huge Success
Eight incoming Huntington High School ninth grade boys completed the school's first week-long freshman seminar, learning more about the skills needed to be successful in the building.
Huntington High School business teacher Suzie Biagi and guidance counselor Lauren Baglivi wrote and delivered the program's curriculum. "The freshman seminar was a huge success," Mrs. Biagi said. "Each day had a theme."
Seminar topics included getting to know each other, the process of self assessment, learning styles and how to use them to the best of your ability, study skills and time management, setting up accounts in Guidance Direct, completing aptitude surveys and interest profiles and starting an academic resume.
Time was also spent discussing peer pressure, bullying, cyber-bullying, how to stay safe, available resources in school, "people to go to," lockers, schedules, organizational tips and how to use school supply goodie bags funded by grant monies.
Participants said they were excited to learn more about their personal learning style and the best way to study based upon that style. They enjoyed meeting fellow incoming ninth graders and sharing their anxieties and challenges. The teenagers were also interested in hearing about the extracurricular clubs and sports teams that high school students can join.
"Ms. Baglivi and I are planning on quarterly reunions and organizational meetings to touch base and catch up with the students," Mrs. Biagi said. "All of the students said they looked forward to our reunions. The program was very rewarding and so much fun for Lauren and me. We had a fabulous week with the students and know that we will share a special bond with them throughout their high school careers."
"The goal of the program was to provide students with the tools they will need for a successful transition into high school," Assistant Superintendent Kenneth A. Card, Jr. said. The program ran from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for five days. Transportation was provided to participants.
"Too many students enter high school without the necessary social and academic skills or a thorough understanding of what will be expected of them as they move through the high school curriculum," Dr. Card said. "Some students are unaware or overlook the connection between high school, the development of post-secondary plans and preparation for the world of work. Often the fear of the unknown that this lack of knowledge creates reveals itself in hostility, frustration, resentment and apathy."
Mrs. Biagi enjoyed working with the program's participants. "They are all nice kids and each one has special talents and a unique personality," she said. "We can't wait to watch them grow into the wonderful young men we know they will be."
"The freshman seminar program was created to help students create a solid foundation as they enter high school and to expose students to the purpose of high school," Dr. Card said.