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Health & Fitness

Frosh Seminar Aids Transition to HHS

A specially designed seminar for freshmen aided the recent transition of seven incoming Huntington High School ninth graders. The weeklong session focused on the skills required to be successful in the building.

Huntington business teacher Suzie Biagi, guidance counselor Lauren Baglivi and college intern Jackie Waldron served as program staff members. “The freshman seminar was a huge success,” Mrs. Biagi said. “Each day had a theme and the boys were enthusiastic participants.”

Seminar topics included getting to know each other, the process of self-assessment, learning styles and how to use them to the best of one’s ability, study skills and time management, setting up accounts in Naviance, completing aptitude surveys and interest profiles and starting an academic resume.

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The seminar included discussions on peer pressure, bullying, cyber-bullying, how to stay safe, available school resources, “go-to” people, lockers, schedules, organizational tips and how to use school supply goodie bags funded by grant monies.

Participants learned 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 are available to high school students.

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“This year our seminar alumni spent the last day with us,” Mrs. Biagi said. “They shared their freshman experiences and their advice and insights.” Some of their advice included: Don’t get into a fight; Have a homework contact; Do your homework-all of it; Go to school; Go to physical education class; Don’t cut class; Watch your surroundings; Make sure you eat well; Get enough sleep; Attend extra help; Use Castle Learning; Complete all of your science labs; If you are in a sport, all the coaches are going to be on you, but that’s a good thing; Make a family commitment; Don’t be an instigator.

“Ms. Baglivi and I are planning on bi-quarterly reunions of the seminar participants again this year,” Mrs. Biagi said. “The organizational meetings are for touching base and catching up with all the students and helping with issues that pop-up during the year. Last year the meetings were always well attended and helpful and we look forward to having this new crop of freshmen along with seminar alumni who are now sophomores in attendance this year.”

“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.

“This program is very rewarding and so much fun for Lauren and me,” Mrs. Biagi said. “We had a fabulous week with the students and know that we will share a special bond with them throughout their high school careers.”

District officials hope participation in the seminar grows in future years. “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 and Ms. Baglivi were able to get to know the students over the course of the seminar. “They are all nice kids and each one has special talents and a unique personality,” Mrs. Biagi said. “We can’t wait to watch them grow into the wonderful young men we know they will be.”

 

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