Over the summer, the administration spent countless hours in meetings and conferences. During that time, Principal Amy Boone proposed the idea of the Freshmen Success Program: a program to help incoming freshmen transition smoothly into high school, special to SHS.
The program launched at the beginning of this year, and it introduces incoming students to SHS and its community by offering guidance on how to actively succeed during their first year of high school.
Assistant Principal Matt Weimer, who runs the program, emphasizes the importance of student involvement, understanding the culture of SHS and setting a strong foundation for success in the years ahead.
“The goal is not only to make sure they know what they need to thrive as freshmen,” Weimer said. “We also wanna help them connect with the school.”
One key component of this new program is its continuity. Throughout their years in SHS, students will stick with one iPass teacher. This will help students foster a one-on-one relationship with their teachers.
“The idea is that they are with them for as long as they are here,” Weimer said.
Mirroring Weimer’s sentiment, Assistant Principal Josef Horvath says that building a long-term connection with teachers is beneficial for students.
“I like the idea that they are also going to be with them all four years,” Horvath said. “I think that is a good connection for you to have. It’s someone you can always go to in the building if you need help.”
The program is already seeing progress with students like freshman Mary Chanyaw. IPass has become an essential part of Chanyaw’s schedule, as she is able to familiarize herself with SHS staff, complete assignments with help from teachers and meet new companions.
“We went over a bunch of staff members that we need to know, like counselors and administrators,” Chanyaw said. “And that definitely helps put names to faces.”
Chanyaw expresses that she has had plenty of time during iPass to get work done and socialize with her friends during this time.
The program’s structure is also appreciated by teachers who believe in its values.
English teacher Brianne Osburn, who has a freshman iPass, highlights the importance of conveying information that teachers might not be able to during the normal school day. Some of that information being how to do grade checks, learning who to go to if they need help, helping them see what iPass is supposed to be like and more.
“I really like the way Mr. Weimer has put this together,” Osburn said. “Because not only are the freshmen in an iPass, but there is a very definite curriculum for each day.”
Osburn also explained how it is nice to be able to build a community with a group that is going to stick together.
“Kids in the iPass classes are really getting to know each other,” Osburn said. “They are coming out of their shell and finding places to go.”
Something else the administration tried was a club callout meeting during iPass. Students were encouraged to visit a club meeting and see what SHS has to offer.
Freshmen iPass is new this year, but it seems to be going well so far. Admin plans to see it for themselves and make any necessary changes.
