(April 13, 2017) To ease the transition into ninth grade and beyond, Snow Hill High School enrolled its freshman students into a new seminar class in the fall, hoping to provide a helpful structure and the necessary skills to succeed.
School officials said the shift to high school was often difficult for nine graders, many of which were lacking studying, typing and basic technology skills.
To help bridge the gap, the course introduced students to high school expectations, character development skills and digital literacy. In addition, students started looking into college and career opportunities.
The school started a freshman-mentoring program during the 2010-2011 school year, when each ninth-grade student was paired up with an upperclassman and met every other week to go over grades, attendance and school life.
Freshman seminar expands on the mentoring program by adding SAT preparation, study strategies, time management, social skills, note-taking, research methods, conflict resolution and social skills, school officials said.
In addition, students have study hall time to catch up on assignments. Guest speakers, including Sen. Jim Mathias and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Det. Alex Kagan, spoke with students.
Overall, school officials said the program has given nine graders an opportunity to be successful from the start, setting up vision for high school and establishing goals for the future.