Think back to your first day of freshman year—the sweaty palms, the nervous excitement, and the overwhelming fear that comes with being in an unfamiliar setting. Starting high school is a major milestone in every student’s life, but it can be terrifying at first. That is why events like the freshman social and freshman orientation are beneficial, as they help make the transition as smooth as possible and help the new students feel comfortable from the start.
Morris Hills hosts students from all over Morris County, and we are not a K-12 district, so most people haven’t known each other for very long. This makes events like the social and orientation even more important since they help bring the freshman class together.
The freshman orientation is usually the first chance most students get to see the school. It takes place sometime during the week leading up to the official start of the school year, which this time was August 23rd. According to Dr. Toriello, it is an excellent opportunity for freshmen to get used to the building and learn what life is like here at Morris Hills.
The orientation starts in the auditorium, where some information and kind words of encouragement are shared by several speakers, including our principal, Dr. Toriello, and our 3 assistant principals. Then, the students are split into smaller groups to meet with their counselors and participate in icebreaker activities to get to know each other. Meanwhile, Project Leaders give tours of the school, answer any questions, and share their own experiences. They act as mentors to the freshmen, offering advice on everything from schedules to navigating the hallways.
Not long after is the freshman social, which was held on September 12th, about two weeks after school began. It is usually one of the first social events of the school year and Mr. Melvin believes it serves as a chance for the freshmen to become a part of our Morris Hills community. They get to make new friends while catching up with old ones in a comfortable environment, surrounded by food and music. The Project Leaders are also part of this event and help promote the idea of an inclusive and kind setting.
The freshman orientation and freshman social are more than just opportunities to socialize. They are a chance to help integrate incoming students into the school community by getting them involved in school activities from the very beginning. When we look back at high school a few years down the road, beyond academics, we’ll think back to the friends we made, the memories we shared, and the things we learned about ourselves. These events pave the way for a successful high school experience, one that will mean more than just the grades we got.