Freshman Orientation on Tap at Huntington High School
If Huntington High School teachers and administrators get their wish, every single one of the 328 incoming freshmen will earn straight A grades this year and enjoy a well-rounded and fulfilling educational experience.
Dr. Carmela Leonardi, who is entering her 12th year as the high school principal, hopes this week's freshman orientation program will help lay the groundwork for student success over the coming months. The orientation is meant to pave the way for a smooth transition from the middle school level and allow the teenagers to get off to a strong start when classes resume on Wednesday, September 5.
The one-day orientation program will see the freshmen and their parents greeted by Dr. Leonardi and new Assistant Principal Brenden Cusack as well as Superintendent James W. Polansky.
Department directors and chairpersons, PTSA leaders, freshman class officers and student council leaders and faculty advisors will be on hand to meet with the teenagers. Representatives from the Parent-Teacher-Student Association will make a brief presentation and encourage parents to join the organization and participate in its activities.
Over the course of two hours freshmen will spend time meeting with Huntington High School guidance counselors and student leaders and participate in various activities. The freshmen will be able to tour through the building and be provided with an opportunity to locate their locker and try out the combination.
There will be sessions devoted to the extracurricular clubs and activities available to students and the role played by administrators and support staff as well as time devoted to meeting with peer mediators and role playing through some situations the teenagers might encounter.
While the newest high school students are involved in these activities their parents will meet with administrators for a discussion of the school's academic opportunities and community service initiative, general school policies and procedures and "important things to know about the high school," according to a schedule of events sent to parents. Administrators are also expected to participate in an extensive question and answer session with parents.
The high school's annual picnic for incoming students and their parents will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. in the main courtyard. Dr. Leonardi said faculty and support staff members are looking forward to working with the teenagers and expecting this to be another great year.