Incoming JHS ninth grader, Jenilisse Cordero-Colon, tries out the National Comedy Center’s Comedy Karoke as part of a field trip to community organizations during JHS’ Summer Orientation Program.

JHS held its Summer Orientation Program this summer to help to orient freshmen to the high school physically, academically, socially and mentally. Teachers also planted the “seeds” of expectations to help freshmen start the year off right. Teachers Stacy Childress, Charlie McKenna, Sue Gullo, Donnelle Conti, Kristen Samuelson, Luz Logan, Maggie Dalton, Kay Noody and Cindy Spirit headed the program.

The program was held in four, one-week sessions for three days each. Students chose one week to attend. Each day, teachers started with a lesson about behavior and mental health. Then, students received an introduction into some of the larger programs in the school with administrators and coaches coming in to talk. They also participated in school orientation activities such as a tour/scavenger hunt and learning about JHS schedules. At the very end, teachers talked about JHS Battle of the Classes and students tried out some of the activities to get students excited about the new year.

This year, the program included a new aspect to the orientation, helping incoming Hispanic freshmen students get a head start on their academic and social lives. Teacher Emily Naetzker, and JPS Community Navigator, Carmen Perez, helped students navigate the building, read schedules, learn the Code of Conduct, understand that earning credits and passing exams are a requirement for graduation, discover more about their community and build lasting relationships with peers and staff. Students also participated in academic lessons geared toward boosting reading comprehension, with a focus on reinforcing their skills in English. Students also participate in field trips, such as visiting the National Comedy Center and Erie Zoo.

JHS encourages interested families to connect with Community Navigator,

Carmen Perez, at carmen.m.perez@jpsny.org to sign up for JHS Summer 2023 Orientation Program or if families need any assistance or contact the school’s main office at 716-483-3470.