Welcome Class of 2020 The Freshman Academy 2016-2017 School Year Matawan Regional High School Turn on sound for animoto, view in full screen mode

What is the Freshman Academy?????

A Team Approach to Learning…

MISSION To assist the incoming freshmen in making a smooth transition into high school and meet the rigorous high school standards.

How do we achieve this??? Providing programs and supports designed to address the unique needs of the 9th grade student. Goals of: Increased Academic Achievement Social-Emotional Development

STRUCTURE Collaborative Planning Dedicated Administrator Dedicated Counselor Dedicated Team of Teachers ENGLISH HISTORY SCIENCE MATH Collaborative Planning

TEAM APPROACH Students assigned to a team Alaskan Huskies Polar Huskies Siberian Huskies Goal of: Creating Small Learning Communities Staff Students School within a School Design

PURPOSE Build Rapport Nourish Student Growth Academically Socially Emotionally Create a sense of unity and community within the freshman class Team Challenges Grade Level Competitions Trans-Disciplinary Lessons/ Themes Early Intervention

BENEFITS Increased Academic Achievement Increased Student Attendance, Attitudes and Behavior Promotes positive feelings about self and others Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships

2015-2016 Highlights Freshman Team Challenge Anti-Bullying Campaign Team Assemblies Group Counseling Academic Classroom Presentations Introduction to Naviance Monmouth University Leadership Conference Peer Tutoring “Good Apples” Program Battle of the Classes The Honorable Husky

What’s New for 2016-2017 Civic Leadership Transition Program Elevate Education Student/ Teacher/ Parent Workshops Study Skills Time Management Critical Reading Memory Strategies Peer Mentorship Health & Physical Education Project Adventure

ORIENTATION PROGRAM The Goal of Today’s Program was to…. Co-Curricular Fair Scavenger Hunt Classroom Activities Civic Leadership Ice Breaker Activities Guided Tour Goal Setting Activity Learning Style Quiz

TODAY’S MESSAGE Fresh Start Take Accountability Get Involved Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!!!

What you need to know…

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Adhere to the student handbook Possess accountability and pride in their behavior and academics Explore their interests in extra curricular activities Engage and take ownership in their education Communicate with their parents on their progress Major problems from last year: attendance, dress code, lateness, HW, food in class, electronic devices. Discuss chain of command

PARENT EXPECTATIONS Review Student Agenda Stay In-Touch Parent Portal Activities Get/ Stay Involved!!!

SPORTS, CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Athletic Participation Fall/ Winter/ Spring Eligibility High School College Informational Session for the College Bound Student Athlete 8/25/2016 Co-Curricular Clubs

STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES Graduation Requirements Testing Requirements Academic Supports Social-Emotional Health School Counselors Student Assistance Coordinator YMCA

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Jennise Nieves – Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) help students and families who are experiencing problems that interfere with learning such as substance abuse, emotional trauma, peer conflict, depression, and at risk behaviors. SAC’s help develop, coordinate, implement prevention and intervention services and/or activities for students at risk for substance abuse.

Concerns that students may seek assistance for may include:  Depression Anxiety  Grief/Loss  Substance Abuse  Family Problems  Social Skills  Abuse/Neglect  Self-Esteem  Crisis Intervention  Anger Management

Methods of Referral Work closely with administrators, guidance counselors, special education department, teachers, the school nurse, other school personnel and parents to identify and assess areas of need. Students may be referred by any school staff that have identified an area of concern. Parents who have concerns about non-academic issues may contact the SAC directly. Students can confidentially refer themselves and/or other students in need of supportive services. Students can be referred by community agencies. All referrals are confidential unless there is a safety concern.

In Closing….

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!!! Personalize for North and South – talk about email as the best way to communicate with personnel