WESTFIELD – Over 200 freshmen and their parents participated in orientation on Thursday at Westfield High School. The freshmen were shown around the school by student volunteers, who showed them the hard to find classrooms, and where their lockers are located.
Incoming freshmen Carly O’Connor and Rylee Altieri. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Freshmen Rylee Altieri and Carley O’Connor were enjoying ice cream outside towards the end of the orientation. Altieri said she was “a little nervous” when she arrived. “They showed us around the school and that helped,” O’Connor said. Both students are from North Middle School.
Senior Christina Lambert, who was handing out ice cream cones, was one of the student guides. “We just showed the kids around; how to open their lockers, where the hidden classrooms are, like the band room are. I think they were all a little nervous, but they were all excited, too,” Lambert said.
Back inside the auditorium, Westfield High School Principal Charles Jendrysik was fielding questions from the parents. “Our city and our district are doing an amazing job.
WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik speaks to parents during freshmen orientation on Thursday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“I’m really excited about redistricting,” Jendrysik told the parents. He said he is especially happy about having one middle school, with all the students working together. The parents applauded after he said that, apparently in agreement with the sentiment.
Also answering questions were the assistant principals and guidance counselors. Kevin Zdroykowski, also known as Mr. Z, told the parents how important attendance is in high school. “If there are too many absences, you will not receive credit for the class,” he said. He said tardies were counted differently, with three tardies to any class equaling an absence. He reminded parents that there are only three minutes between classes, so it’s important for students to stay focused.
Senior Christina Lambert showed the freshmen around and served ice cream during orientation. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Guidance counselors told the parents that the freshmen class went on great tours, and received their freshmen t-shirts. They also asked parents to write any comments or suggestions on post-it notes, and put them on boards outside of the auditorium.
“I’m always impressed by the turnout,” Jendrysik said at the end of orientation. He also said that he was very happy with the over 40 student volunteers that helped.
“Our goal with this is to help our students make a smooth transition into the high school, and to encourage them to be actively involved in the Westfield High School community,” he said. School opens Tuesday, Sept. 4.
