Freshmen Get Jump Start on School Year

Nearly 200 Huntington High School freshmen got a jump start on the new school year during a seminar program for the incoming ninth graders. Now in its twelfth year, the seminar encompasses everything from exploring the building and practicing study skills to time management and organizational tips.

The program’s goal is to calm the angst about being in high school. Thirteen teachers, including Marlo Romaro, Lorena Diaz, Tara Rossy, Eileen Gonzalez, Rosario Lorenzana, Luigi Papasidero, Debra Cheskes, Kelly Quintero, Jacqueline Thomann, Sara Guagliano, Elizabeth Casazza, Kenia Guevara and Suzi Biagi-Quigley staffed the program, which drew 186 ninth graders.

Assisting the teachers were 13 students spread across the sophomore, junior and senior classes, including Heather Herman, Belinda Velasquez, Sabrina Bijou, Emely Herrera Rivas, Arly Morrica Portillo. Daniela Garcia, Anis Oyvela, Jesley Martinez, Heileen Torres, Katie Sorto, Elliot Manu, Leila O’Toole and Sophie Hoffman.

“We honestly could not have had such a successful program without these awesome volunteers and the students absolutely loved having their older peers in the program,” said Mrs. Biagi-Quigley, the program’s lead teacher.

Exit surveys of participants indicated students appreciated an opportunity to learn more about classes, clubs and effective study skills. “I learned that the library is where you can borrow not only books to read, but get help for your Chromebook issues,” one freshman said. Still others said they learned “how to befriend someone,” “that freshman year really does count,” “that there are classes in the school basement” and “that we have eight high school guidance counselors.”

The students’ favorite parts of the program included a scavenger hunt, games, touring the building, seeing friends, “realizing that we are all nervous,” snacks, “and practicing my schedule and locker combo.”

“The teachers were so nice and helpful,” one of the freshmen said. “I’m a lot less nervous now.” Another said they were “so happy we got new school supplies.”

The freshmen were sent off with lots of advice ranging from join clubs, ask for help, talk to new people and be optimistic to get up early and pack up the night before and to “use your agenda book to stay on top of your work.”