Incoming freshmen will get an engaging taste of what student life is all about at Pioneer Valley High School during the sixth annual Link Crew orientation on Aug. 8.
Orientation begins at 8 a.m. and wraps up around noon on the high school’s campus, 675 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. More than 600 freshmen will get the lay of the school from 150 junior and senior leaders.
“We want to ease any stress so they feel comfortable and can make the most of their educational experience here,” PVHS Link Crew Advisor Marcie Guerra said in a press release from the school.
The orientation kicks off in the gym where juniors and seniors will greet the new learners. Link Crew leaders will divide the students into small groups and take them into classrooms for various activities. Freshmen will also receive and school tour and be able to ask questions.
In the past, the school’s annual tradition has been a fun environment “where new friends are made and the high school community unites,” according to the press release. The release added that some students dressed in costumes, with student leaders in hamburger suits and new students in French fry costumes. Another year, a student leader was dressed as a chicken and the freshmen were eggs.
Link Crew leaders, who have opted to take on the responsibility of helping the school’s newcomers, will also mentor freshmen throughout the school year. The goal is to help new students build up their confidence as they enter a new educational environment. The school’s press release said that the commitment made by Link Crew leaders ensures that new students pay it forward to others in the future.
This article appears in Aug 7-14, 2014.
