Incoming Pioneer Valley High School freshmen had a chance to preview student life at the fifth annual Link Crew orientation event on Aug. 9.
More than 600 freshmen were expected to attend.
“It’s about making them comfortable,” Pioneer Valley adviser and business teacher Marcie Guerra said in a press release. “We want to establish a fun and trusting connection between our new learners, student leaders, and PVHS.”
The day started with an assembly outside the gym, after which more than 160 student volunteers and mentors greeted them inside. Students then participated in activities and took a school tour.
The goal of the event was to reduce the stress of attending a new school and to answer any questions incoming class members might have. Student leaders also plan to mentor freshmen throughout the school year.
In a press release, Pioneer Valley senior and Link Crew leader Brent Dionisio said easing the high school transition for others is important to him.
“Helping guide incoming freshmen in the right direction, leading them to success and encouraging them to build up their confidence in a new environment is what I really enjoy,” Dionisio said in the release. “I want to make a change for our school, to make it a better place so that when they become upper classmen, they will do the same.”
This article appears in Aug 15-22, 2013.