The week of Aug. 25, 30 juniors and seniors gathered in school to prepare for the incoming freshman class, practicing games and leadership techniques for orientation and the year to come.

The two-day orientation, which took place on Sep. 2 and 3, was a success, keeping everyone engaged and acclimating new students to the high school.

Last year in the spring, groups of incoming freshmen who did not attend Heschel Middle School gathered. Early on the first day, these groups met again, allowing new students to relax and talk about their summers before entering the busy gym and meeting their entire grade. 

Upon arrival, freshmen were directed to the gym and divided into their advisories, where their faculty advisor and peer advisors were waiting. Each advisory played “Circle games,” a mix of ice breakers and “get-to-know-you”s, such as two truths and a lie and a cup stacking competition – these games are a staple of orientation.
Later, freshman advisories practiced their egg-dropping skills, a classic color war activity. 

Peer advisors, upperclassmen who are grouped to mentor advisories, then led tech sessions to teach skills like using Schoology, WiFi, and printers. The day finished with representatives from each advisory sharing the art that they had worked on in an earlier activity. 

The second day of orientation included short classes, allowing freshmen to get comfortable with the building and find their classes without the chaos of other grades in the hallways. 

“My favorite part was tie-dyeing our Class of 2029 shirts,” said Freshman Elizabeth Harris. 

Orientation concluded with the grade gathering in the gym, debriefing, and getting ready for their first full day of school.