Seminar Program Proves Useful for Incoming Freshmen

A carefully crafted seminar for dozens of incoming freshmen unfolded at Huntington High School in the run-up to the first day of school. The goal of the annual program is to provide students with tools essential to their transition into the building.

This year’s seminar ran for three hours per day on each of three days. The fourth day was reserved for an orientation program for all incoming freshmen. The participating teacher-advisors included Suzi Biagi, Tara Rossy, Elizabeth Casazza, Rosario Lorenzana, Eileen Gonzales, Matt Liguori, Donna Nugent, Debra Cheskes, Jennifer Savalli and Luigi Papasidero.

More than 80 Class of 2027 members participated in this year’s program, “which encompassed getting to know each other, meeting their freshman seminar advisors that they will work with all year and an assortment of activities to help prepare them for their high school experience,” Ms. Biagi said. Lunch was served daily.

Seminar topics included everything from getting to know each another, the process of self-assessment, learning styles and how to use them to the best of one’s ability to study skills and time management.

The ninth graders were also interested in hearing about the extracurricular clubs and sports teams available to high school students. Perhaps the best part was hearing from an alum who shared a series of “if I knew then what I know now” segments, including “don’t slack off especially freshman and then senior year; go to extra help; take advantage of the library and the resources available to you throughout the school; these ladies will help you get yourself on a good path; don’t be late; don’t argue, just hand over the phone; have a safe adult you can turn to; get involved in clubs and don’t delay on college applications.”

There were discussions on peer pressure, bullying, staying safe, available school resources, “go-to” people, lockers, schedules, goal setting, organizational tips and career exploration

On Monday, students shared their goals and anxieties, “discovering they really all did have something in common,” Ms. Biagi said. “The group explored the best ways they learn and their studying routines.”

Tuesday focused on learning style and “multiple intelligences.” Students learned the best way to study for their particular style along with memory “tricks.”

The third day of the seminar program was “super busy” and featured a round of Huntington High School Survivor, a team building activity and a photo scavenger hunt that allowed participants to explore the building, a panel discussion involved upperclassmen and alumni, who shared their experiences and held a Q&A. There was a school supplies giveaway and pizza from Jonny D’s.

“When we asked, the attendees shared that they loved learning about the expectations of high school, how to organize, where to go when they need assistance with something, that the adults are here for them, how to use their unique learning styles to their advantage and how to navigate the school,” Ms. Biagi said. “Some of their favorite activities were the scavenger hunt, study skills bingo, HHS Survivor, learning about the clubs and sports available to participate in, the panel of upperclassmen/graduates and, of course, the food.”