New Freshmen Receive A Warm Welcome To NHS

By Susan Coney

Sophomore students met with freshmen advisors Martha Parvis and Gerry Waterbury on Monday, August 22, in the lobby of Newtown High School to review and discuss their role in welcoming the new freshman class to the high school this fall.

The sophomores provided tours and fielded questions the incoming freshmen had at the recent orientation, which took place the following day. The freshmen were welcomed, placed in small groups, and given a tour of the building. At that time the students had the opportunity to ask questions to a student panel comprised of upper class members regarding their experiences at the high school and the opportunities available through clubs, organizations, and the athletic department.

The freshmen played ice breaker games, practiced locating and opening lockers, and had their pictures snapped for their student identification cards. Toward the end of the orientation session, freshmen students were asked to write a letter to themselves reflecting on their expectations and goals for their high school experience. These letters will be returned to them at their high school graduation.

Jen Iassogna, a junior at the high school, has been involved in welcoming freshmen as well as new transfer students to Newtown High School for the past two years. “I’ve made some good friends this way. I like seeing the new kids come in. They are eager but they don’t want to show it too much. It is fun to field their questions. I also help out at the parent orientation, answering questions and reassuring the parents,” she said.

Social studies teacher and advisor Martha Parvis indicated that in addition to Jen’s help, two officers of the sophomore class, Candace Wood and Julie Kalt, have been instrumental in organizing the high school orientation.

Guidance counselor Jeff Tolson, was also on hand to help inspire the sophomores in their effort to welcome and reassure the incoming freshmen. He provided a short pep talk saying, “The day is about making the new kids feel welcome. Make sure you go out of your way to make them feel comfortable. You can be there for them and help them to fit in.”

The orientation session culminated in a relaxed cookout and picnic provided by culinary arts teacher Brian Neumeyer and his culinary students. The freshmen students had the opportunity at this time to relax a bit and begin to get a feel for what their high school experience will entail.