The Freshman Transition Network
Working together to transition freshmen & transform schools from the bottom up!
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I am a graduate student in the technology leadership program at Lamar University. I am doing an assignment on educational networks and that is how I got here. More importantly, I am a freshmen biology and technology teacher and have a 14 year old child. I think that any possible way to help my freshmen transition and be successful is a step in the right direction.
I am an assistant principal for grades 9 and 12 at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine. We are a school of 800 students with a rural/suburban feel. I have the pleasure of not only transitioning in the freshmen but helping the seniors transition out of high school. We are currently working on how to meet the individual needs of our incoming class of 2017 as we move forward with implementing Mass Customized Learning. Having been a high school assistant principal for 19 years this is probably the most challenging shift in thinking and implementation that I have been faced with.
I look forward to hearing from anyone that may be in a similar situation or has gone through this process.
Thanks for joining, Paula, and for taking the time to introduce yourself to the group. I hope you find some helpful resources on the site. Please let me know if I can help you out in any way at all.
I teach math at Corbett High School (25 miles outside Portland, OR). I'm also the intervention person for all 6th-12th graders in our district (it's a small district; about 1500 kids on one campus). My job includes anything and everything that will increase our high school graduation rate to 100%...online course administrator, summer/weekend school teacher, special study hall facilitator, parent caller and general pain-in-the-neck to anyone that is not on track to graduate. I spend most of my time teaching freshman math, harassing freshmen to turn in work and finish incomplete coursework in all subjects, and doing damage control with seniors that are seriously credit deficient.
Thanks for joining the network, Cassie, and thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself. I visited David Douglas High out your way a couple of times about a year or so ago. I was helping them build a freshman transition program to help achieve a lot of the same goals you mention fall into your job. If you'd ever like to discuss possible PD for your school on the topic, just let me know. I'd love to get out to the Portland area again - it was beautiful!
Thanks, Lori, for joining and introducing yourself. I've heard good things about Link Crew. You might consider blogging about your experience with that program. It could benefit our members.
Our school recently started Link Crew. An overview of what that has looked like this year is as follows:
JHS LINK CREW STRUCTURE:
At JHS, there are 110 Link Crew students who are partnered with 560 freshmen. For every group of 10-12 freshmen, there are two Link Leaders.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Check-ins/Follow-ups:
Leaders meet with their students to check on social and academic progress while conveying important information such as scheduling, using resources, combating bullying, figuring GPA, etc. Leaders have made multiple referrals for tutoring, counseling, and discipline.
Monthly Events:
By hosting special events Link Leaders help the freshmen develop lasting, positive memories and friendships. Link Crew has already hosted the following events:
* Research shows that Link Crew reduces absences and disciplinary referrals, engages students in
extracurricular activities, and increases graduation rates.
**Freshmen discipline referrals in the first semester at JHS have decreased by 14.3% compared to last year. The number of D's & F’s among freshmen this year compared to last year for has decreased while A's and B's have increased.
We do not have a school budget for Link Crew, but students in the LC classes have met with CEO's of companies and presented their need. It has been much bigger than I ever imagined. Link Leaders have made me a very proud freshman principal. I have been able to step out of the box and let them take charge. I am there to assist in whatever area they need or stand back in awe as I see all of their hard work and planning produce results. For more information on Link Crew, a year-long freshman transition program, visit http://www.boomerangproject.com/high-school-transition
Rather than having a separate building or wing that separates freshmen from the rest of the high school, Link Crew is a year-long transition program that encourages juniors and seniors to become mentors to the freshman. I cannot say enough good about it. It has been a year of project-based learning for Link Leaders.
Hello everyone,
My name is Darrell Medley and I am principal of Orange Preparatory Academy in Orange Township, NJ. We are a middle school that services grade 8 and 9. I have the best of both worlds. (NOT). We restructured three years ago from a 7-8 middle school to our current configuration. This has been a very difficult transition. Everything Scott talks about from attendance, to failures, to low motivation happens with our freshman. I am looking to be a part of this community and see if I can generate some ideas to make my freshman class better.
I am in my 14th year as an educator. I started out as a counselor in 99 and vice principal in 09 and principal in 2012. I am looking forward to being a part of this community.
Thanks for joining, Darrell, and thanks for attending my session. It was nice to meet you today. Feel free to share any ideas you have for the good of the network.
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