Experience of Switching Schools

A new school year is upon us, bringing new beginnings and challenges. Here at Bishop Ireton the new year has also brought many new students, specifically transfer students. Since Covid hit, the past two school years the school’s population has increased, in large part to transfer students. This occurrence was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Bishop Ireton was one of only a few schools in our area able to offer a hybrid learning experience. Hybrid allowed for half of the student body to attend in person school while the other half attended school online, and vice versa. This provided a safe option for students to attend school in a somewhat normal way.

This resulted in a larger number of transfers Bishop Ireton focuses on transfer students, and how the administration works to help set up the new students for success. TJ Bush is a junior and transferred to Bishop Ireton during the 2020-2021 school year during his sophomore year. He plays on the football team. When asked how different Ireton was from their previous school TJ said “Bishop Ireton has opened my eyes to so many things. The people here were very welcoming. I am so happy I made the change. At my old school the teachers didn’t really show the same effort and as students we were more carefree in the hallways and things.” TJ also commented about the differences between Bishop Ireton and his old school academically”The teachers didn’t really show the same effort as they do here and the classes at my old school had many more students in them.” To continue our curiosities we interviewed Quint Booker. Quint is a junior who transferred from Good Counsel highschool after his sophomore year. Quint enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with his friends. We asked Quint how important transportation to school is for him and if there are any difficulties, here’s what he had to say. “When I decided

Experience Of Switching Schools By Jamie Kaiser

Juniors Quint Booker and TJ Bush both transferred to Bishop Ireton. Bush transfered last year in 2020 while Booker is a new student this year.

to transfer to Bishop Ireton I was living in Maryland because that’s where I went to school before so my parents thought it would be easiest for transportation if we moved to Tysons in Virginia. It has taken some getting used to but it is definitely more convenient for my family and I .” We also talked to Quint on how much of a sacrifice this was, and his mindset on changes. He continued with “I understand that it is a big sacrifice, but coming to Bishop Ireton has been a very smooth transition especially academically. Transfering has already opened doors and opportunities for me to pursue college, and specifically collegiate sports. That’s why I think the sacrifice will pay off.”

To conclude our interview I talked to Mrs. DiLorenzo and asked what her role is in helping transfer students. had to say. She said, “Orientation gives transfer students the opportunity to meet other transfer stuents. They are also partnered with Peer Helpers who help acclimate thme to Bishop Ireon.” When asked what joy she feels in seeing transfer students thrive, Mrs.DiLorenzo responded saying , “I truly enjoy walking in the hall and seeing transfers laughing with another group of students because it can be very difficult coming from a different place to make new friends. And if any students that aren’t connecting or feeling comfortable, I encourage them to reach out to their counselors and try to join clubs and engage with the community.”