Welcome To Your New School

Marcia Teemer Marcia.teemer@henry.k12.ga.us

Does it feel like your school gets new students every single day of the year? Being an “outsider ’ or having to re-integrate into new schools may lead to exclusion and low self-esteem (Park, 2014). How do you make new students feel welcomed into your building? Whether their parents are military, have gotten a divorce or the previous school just was not a good fit, new students will experience some stress and anxiety when switching to a new school.

I am one of the co-sponsors of my school’s Ambassadors. One of their responsibilities is to give new students a tour of the building. At our last meeting, we discussed the new student tour process, developed a welcome packet, and streamlined the process for new students. First, the new student and parent meets with his/her school counselor to discuss the transcript and classes. After creating the schedule, an Ambassador comes to the counseling office. Finally, the Ambassador gives the new student a tour of the building. All new students should receive a welcome packet (folder or envelope) that includes the following:

WELCOME

• A welcome letter from the principal or school counselor. I personally think this letter should come from the principal of the school. The counselor can mail a letter home within the student’s first week. • A map of the school. This does not have to be a masterpiece. It does need to show the important places in the building. If you do not already have a map of your building, ask an Art student to create one. You will be amazed at what they can do. • Who are the school administrators? • What are the school colors, mascot, and motto? • How do I request a transcript? • How do I apply for dual enrollment? As the school counselor, you want to check in with the new student within the next three days. Check in with them the following week and again within the next three to four weeks.

• For high school students, include your graduation requirement checklist. A bell schedule for your school. Indicate if your school is following a Block schedule or a

Traditional schedule.

Additionally, many school districts do not follow the same calendar. Be sure to include your district calendar. This is important. • A list of sports, clubs and organizations along with whom the coaches and sponsors are for said organization. FAQ, be sure to include a

FAQ sheet. This can be general questions or you can be more specific with the questions. For example

F A Q

I know things get busy but do it. Put them on your calendar or schedule them as an appointment. You could also host new student orientation twice a month to help with the transition process. Transitioning in to a new school should not be a one and done encounter with the school counselor. We are the heartbeat of the school and being new is hard. Especially, if you have a huge school. Once the student leaves the counseling office for the tour, email his/her teachers. Let them know, they have a new student coming to their class and ask them to pair the new student up with a peer friend. The key is to arm our new students with as much information as possible to make a smooth transition. This transition welcome packet and process is directly aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindset Standard M3. Sense of belonging in the school environment. It is also aligned with Behavior Standard B-SMS 10. Demonstrate ability to manage transitions and ability to adapt to changing situations and responsibilities. Finally, this transition welcome packet and process positions you to earn a Level III on your Counselor Keys Evaluation System (CKES) for Performance Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment!

Park, A. (2014). Switching schools may give your kids psychotic symptoms. Time USA, LLC. https://time.com/8854/study-switchingschools-may-make-your-kids-psychotic/