Freshmen Focus: UA's High School Student Transition Program

     Union Academy is dedicated to educating the whole child as evidenced by the second year of the school's Freshmen Focus workshops. Freshmen Focus began in the 2015-16 school year when principal Jim Zorn pulled together a team of high school staff members with instructions to create a curriculum that would assist freshmen with entering high school. His idea grew to become a series of ten lessons designed to both acclimate ninth graders to high school and find success in their final years at Union Academy. This year the program grew to include upperclassmen as co-teachers of the lessons. "It seemed like a natural fit to include our Link Crew Leaders in the implementation of Freshmen Focus," said Trent Faulkner, Union Academy teacher and Link Crew adviser. The Link Crew is a group of juniors and seniors in charge of Freshmen Orientation. "They were looking for another way to interact with the ninth grade class and this was a great opportunity," he added.
     This school year's Freshmen Focus series kicked off with an assembly hosted by Mr. Faulkner and the Link Crew. Mr. Faulkner interacted with students teaching them the importance of choosing friends wisely and keeping focused on the goal of graduation and college. The Link Crew led students in games where they experienced the importance of working together and choosing wisely.
In the months following the assembly, students rotated through a series of eight activities and learning skills such as stress management, SMART goals, serving others, and making the most of high school. Students were quizzed on the history and mission of UA and learned about the importance of the three Cs: Challenge, Character, and Community. They participated in scenarios that made them consider choices they may be faced with as a high school student and evaluate their life priorities. "My favorite class in Freshmen Focus was learning how to calculate my GPA and what to expect in high school," said ninth grade student Andrew Young.
     The tenth and final meeting of Freshmen Focus was on High School Service Day. This half day event began with a wrap-up of all previous lessons and more activities related to personal leadership and success. Students were reminded of UA’s graduation requirement involving service hours and were exposed to the needs of local charities and non-profits. Students chose from eight different projects such as making blankets for Project Linus, crafting para-cord bracelets for the USO, stuffing race bags for the Heart of Monroe, and preparing lunch for Operation Reach Out. They demonstrated teacher appreciation by cleaning rooms, braiding chew toys for dogs at the Union County Animal Shelter, and mixing home-made play-dough for the Alliance for Children. Student Emily Huang said, "I like feeling like I'm making a difference. On service day, I felt good about making para-cord bracelets and making sandwiches for those in need." "My group created whisper phones for emerging readers. They learned that serving others does not have to be elaborate project and that the most simple act of kindness can go a long way, " said Holly Hammonds, high school counselor.
     "Our goal with the Freshmen Focus program was to create a solid foundation for these young students entering high school. We want them to understand the importance of good character, and we want them prepared to meet the challenges of the next few years and feel supported through the process," said Principal Zorn.
     Freshmen Focus and the Link Crew are examples of how Union Academy proactively works to promote core values and performance values (Principles 1 & 3 of Character Education). In addition this program works to create a caring community (Principle 4 of Character Education) across grade levels.