Freshman Orientation on Tap at Huntington High School
If Carmela Leonardi has her way, every single one the 327 incoming Huntington High School freshmen will work hard in their classes, complete all assignments, participate in the extracurricular activities program and have straight A grades this year.
Dr. Leonardi, who is entering her eighth year as the high school principal, hopes that a two-day freshman orientation program being held this week will help lay the foundation for much student success over the coming months. The orientation is meant to smooth the transition from the middle school level and allow the teenagers to get off to a strong start when classes resume on Sept. 3.
The first day of the two-day program will see the freshmen greeted by Dr. Leonardi and her assistants, Jarrett Stein and Angelo Noce. The first order of business will be a get-acquainted activity to break the ice. “They will then be able to work with a panel of presenters from DAYTOP who will talk about making the right choices,” Dr. Leonardi said.
Parents are invited to join students for the second day’s program. Department directors, ninth grade class officers and members of the student council will be on hand to meet with the teenagers. Representatives from the Parent-Teacher-Student Association will make a brief presentation and encourage parents to join the organization and participate in its activities.
Peter Paternostro, the district’s director of guidance, along with high school guidance counselors, will huddle with freshmen to discuss study skills and the organizational techniques used by successful students. “This session will be followed by a tour of the school organized by their ninth grade dean, Rob Gilmor and members of student council, Natural Helpers and Habitat for Humanity,” Dr. Leonardi said. Students will also be given their locker combinations and provided with an opportunity to locate their locker and try out the combination.
While the newest high school students are involved in these activities, department directors will meet with parents in the School Heritage Museum (room 140) to share information about courses, requirements, testing and expectations. Administrators are also expected to participate in an extensive question and answer session with parents.
The high school’s annual picnic for incoming students and their parents will kick-off on Thursday at 11:30 in the main courtyard. Dr. Leonardi said faculty and support staff members are looking forward to working with the teenagers and expecting this to be another great year.
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