As eighth-grade students transition to high school, some students may experience a significant decline in both grades and attendance. Research shows this could occur as a result of the new social opportunities, the greater option of choices for young students, in addition to the pressures of fitting in and finding their comfortable peer groups. To help PCSC students transition to ninth grade, Plymouth High School Freshman Orientation that was held last Wednesday, January 15, was designed to help eighth-graders get acclimated to the quickly approaching new school setting in the fall. Studies reveal that students who take part in transition type programs can move through shifting school settings with less struggle.
This year’s PHS Freshman Orientation started with a 30-minute information fair where dozens of PHS academic departments, clubs, and extracurricular programs were on hand. Eighth-grade students and their parents were able to talk to current PHS students and teachers about programs and clubs such as PTV, Spanish Club, Art Club, and programs such as courses that offer dual college credit for students who qualify such as Radio TV, Precision Machining and Health Careers.
The fair was followed by the hour-plus annual PHS Freshmen Orientation program held in the PHS auditorium at 6:15 p.m. where a team of PHS administrators and guidance counselors spoke about IDOE graduation pathways, diploma requirements, employability skills, post-secondary readiness competencies, and programs offered at Plymouth High School.
At the beginning of the evening, parents signed in as they entered the event. Based on the sign-ins, the majority of families were currently from Lincoln Jr. High and St. Michaels, however, a handful of families did represent neighboring school districts who were planning on transferring a child or children to Plymouth High School in the fall.
Those who missed the event but plan on transferring students to Plymouth High School in the fall can inquire about setting up an in-person meeting with the PHS guidance department by calling Plymouth High School during school hours.
