SANTA MARIA — More than 700 new freshman will receive an early welcome and information about Pioneer Valley High School on Wednesday, August 7.
The 11th annual “Link Crew”, which starts at 8 a.m. and wraps up at noon, involves 150 junior and senior leaders and staff showing off the school’s learning and social environment.
During the event, the new students are broken up into small groups and taken to classrooms where they will participate in activities designed to ease them into high school. A campus tour and fun activities also are part of the program.
In the past, the school tradition has created a fun and quirky environment where new friends are made and the high school community unites. Some student leaders wore hamburger costumes while the newer students were dressed as french fries. Another year, a student leader dressed as a chicken and the freshman were the eggs. Many costumes are homemade.
Teacher Marcie Guerra said the orientation allows the incoming 9thgraders to start forming a strong and positive connection with the campus.
“It’s a great way to alleviate stress that comes along with starting a new school,’’ Guerra said.
The student leaders also plan to match-up with freshman as part of a mentoring process that continues throughout the year. That commitment has ensured the new students pay it forward to others in the future.