New West Essex Freshman Get a Sweet Start to the School Year with Ice Cream Social

Members of the West Essex High School Class of 2018 attended a Freshman Orientation and Ice Cream Social on Thursday, August 21 from 9-11 a.m. at the high school. Check out our gallery of Caldwell back to school photos here and send your own snapshots to Patch Editor, Emily Everson, at emily.everson@patch.com.

Each freshman received a folder with information on the new flexible rotating drop schedule and informational booklets on “How to Get Good Grades” and “how to make the most out of high school.” Students also received a flyer with the many extra-curricular activities and clubs at the high school.

The program began in the auditorium with presentations by Principal Gary Suda, Assistant Principals Juliann Hoebee and Caesar DiLiberto, Director of Guidance Carole Clarke and all of the high school’s guidance counselors. Students learned about everything from grading to attendance to high school clubs and activities. Afterwards, administrators and guidance counselors took the students on tours of the high school and answered questions. The program ended with ice cream and Italian ice from Gellotti in Caldwell.

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the class of 2018 to our annual freshman orientation,” Principal Gary Suda said. “Approximately 185 of our spirited students attended the informative presentation, tour, and Gelotti ice cream/Italian ice social. I can’t wait to greet them again as they step off the bus on Thursday, September 4, when they officially start their four-year journey at our beloved high school.”

Freshman Brianna Convertino of Roseland said she enjoyed the orientation program. “I learned all about the clubs and activities available to students and all about the new block scheduling,” Brianna said. “I think we will get used to it.”
Friend Alexa Dratch, a freshman from Fairfield, said she learned about the weighted grading system in the high school. Alexa said she was concerned about the new flexible rotating drop schedule, but after attending the orientation, noted she is confident that she will be able to follow it and “it will get easier.”

Freshman Jonathan Trenschel of Fairfield said the orientation was very helpful. “They showed us where everything is,” he said, adding attending orientation to him also means that the summer is almost over.