LTEF Funded Freshman Agenda a Success with Freshmen and Upper Classmen

Teenagers climbing walls? Swinging from ropes? These were just a couple of the activities that helped incoming Lawrence High School freshmen get ready for their four years at the high school during a recent weekend at Rider University. The program, the Freshman Agenda, was funded by the Lawrence Township Education Foundation and took place on August 8th and 9th. In addition to activities designed to encourage the 216 participating freshmen to meet each other and develop school spirit, the students also took part in workshops and mini-courses intended to prepare them for high school life.

The freshmen were placed in groups of fifteen students, and each group had a peer leader (a trained LHS junior or senior) and teacher who will meet with them monthly throughout the school year. The experience has been valuable for both the freshmen and their peer leaders. As peer leader Frank DiMeglio says, "I think it gives freshmen a sense of security because they know they can come to us to discuss any problems or ask questions. The program is a good source for the freshmen to build a strong character, since we have great topics every month that apply to skills needed in school and life in general."

Peer leader Mark Savino adds, "The Freshman Agenda has already made an impact on the lives of many students, both peer leaders and freshmen, and it is only in its second year. I believe that if you ask any freshmen about the program, they will have at least one thing they were able to take from the program which made their high school experience more enjoyable."

Incoming freshman David Azer recently answered a few questions about the program.

Q. What was the most helpful part of the program? Why?
A. My favorite part of the weekend was getting to meet all of the incoming Washington Township students as well as the teachers and other faculty and peer leaders. Everyone was really friendly and knowledgeable. In terms of programming I really liked the ropes course at Lawrenceville Prep and also the race through the high school. This was the best because we were actually in the school and it was a great way to get a tour. Another kicker was that my team won.

Q. How did the weekend make you feel about LHS?
A. The weekend made me really comfortable with the people and the programs in school as well as the way the school works. Most of the workshops and stations focused on school policies and procedures so I am very comfortable here. Also now I know more upper classmen. A walk through with my schedule is the only thing the weekend missed.

Q. What did you learn about LHS that you didn't know before?
A. The weekend taught me many things although I was fairly familiar with the high school. I learned a little about everything. I already knew we can't wear hats but I was really surprised even a sweatband was unacceptable. I also learned who is in charge of what such as the vice principle with [discipline] and what the Dean of Students does. A few other things include street-smart stuff like which bathrooms to use and how the sports programs work.

Q. What else do you have to say about the program that you'd like people in Lawrence to know?
A. I'd like the public to know what a great experience it is because it makes freshmen's greatest worries disappear. The peer leaders are right there and it really helps for kids who don't already know upper classmen. I do wish we could have spent a bit more time in the school but I realize time was limited. The sleeping over experience was just so much fun and it really makes us freshman look forward to the rest of the year and more memories.