In order to help rising freshmen transition and prepare for the challenges ahead, annual orientation opportunities are held to give them a preview of what’s to come.
As such, rising freshmen flooded the halls the night of Feb. 8 to learn about the different courses that will be offered to them.
To initiate the event, principal Jeff Litz gave a speech to the masses during the event, promising that each and every new member of the community would be assisted and included.
“In our 13 years as a continuously-growing professional learning community, Marshall is a local and national model for its work to ensure all students are successful,” Litz said. “As a result, we feel we are prepared to support every student no matter what courses they choose or goals they have for themselves.”
The orientation began with an open session for learning about world languages and electives. From there, a half hour presentation ensued in the auditorium. Finally, attendees were able to visit five different session blocks to learn more about the core subjects.
The faculty noted the importance of introducing many foreign concepts to those entering the community for the first time.
“We’re just trying to give them as much information as possible so they can hopefully make the best choices for their ninth grade classes and get them off to a good start,” counselor James Rixse said.
Many of the rising freshmen appreciated the opportunity to get a first glimpse at which courses they could enroll in.
“It’s nice to have the information given to me that I need,” rising freshman Kara Dove-Mutombo from Kilmer Middle School said. “I’m mostly nervous about the workload and the classes I decide to choose.”
Some were still indecisive over what courses they wanted to take and used the orientation as a chance to familiarize themselves with the community that surrounded each activity.
“It shows everything I can choose from because I’m still deciding what I want to do,” rising freshman Trevor Fan from Kilmer Middle School, said.
In fact, Dove-Mutombo is already considering going down the path to receiving the IB Diploma.
“In my mind, it’s the best diploma I can get so I’m striving for the best,” Dove-Mutombo said.
The volunteers at the event assisted in translating important information to non-English speakers and guiding attendees to where they need to be. Some reflected on the importance of events like the activities orientation.
“I think it’s helpful so that students can know what the school is like and meet teachers,” freshman and volunteer Zelena Martinez said.