Orientation Eases 'First Day at Fox Lane HS' Jitters

Screaming as loud as they could, students in the Class of 2014 made their presence known on their first day at Fox Lane High School.

"Is that all you can do?" asked high school principal, Dr. Joel Adelberg, as he yelled back into a microphone.

He received a rumble of cheers in response from about 340 students attending the Fox Lane's 9^thGrade and New Student Orientation, held Tuesday morning.

Students had the school to themselves as faculty, staff and upperclassmen led newcomers to a series of workshops, tours and a barbecue lunch. Sophomores, juniors and seniors weren't due to arrive until the afternoon.

Initiated last year, the orientation introduces kids to the school's culture and eases fears about opening day, said Adelberg. The program was a balance of imparting to students the many rules by which they must abide, and providing information designed to acclimate kids to their new home-away-from-home.

"We try to balance the rules—which they have the whole year to learn—with getting them excited about learning, which is what the day is really all about," said Adelberg.

Workshops covered such topics as when and where cel phones are permitted (in the commons, not a hallway outside a classroom) safeguarding personal belongings (students are encouraged to buy a school-provided lock) and why and when to visit the guidance office (whenever you have questions, and often).

Guidance counselor Lisa Dunne welcomed students in Spanish, a nod to the diverse student body at Fox Lane. "Consider our office an information hub—we can help with your schedule, your locker, anything you have questions about. We can help Spanish-speaking parents, too," she said.

During the orientation, freshmen met individuals key to their academic experience, including Adelberg, assistant principals Robin Schamberg and Brian Davidson, and school deans, counselors, psychologists, social workers and monitors. Following the program, students were to meet their teachers during abbreviated 14-minute periods.

As they searched for answers to a "Fox Lane 101" bingo quiz, freshmen Alana Fitz and Brooke Edgar said they were excited about the freedoms in high school—like an extra minute of passing time and and the option to eat lunch outside.

"We also get to use our cel phones—in middle school we couldn't use them at all," said Edgar.

"I'm excited about making friends in other grades," said Fitz, her best friend since the fifth grade.

Other students said the most helpful aspect of the orientation was in figuring out their schedule and becoming familiar with the sea of faces that are their classmates for the next four years.

"It's less confusing to be here with just the freshmen, and I can figure out where I need to go," said Cinthia Serrano, who was looking forward to going to her Studio Art class.

The morning ended with a 40-minute multimedia presentation called "Balance of Power," which helps teach young people how to take responsibility for their choices, said Sarah LaCour, school social worker.

LaCour coordinates student advisory groups, which she described as an extension of the orientation program. Small sections of 22 students meet throughout their four years, 10 times per year.

"It's a support network, and it gives students a chance to really know students they may not otherwise be friends with," she said.

It was a day of new beginnings—whether students had grown up here or were new to the country, Adelberg told students.

"Take total advantage of your time here. Join clubs. Work hard. Show school pride. You'll make this a great school."