Islip High School’s new ninth graders attended the school’s annual freshman orientation on Aug. 27, where they were greeted and guided by building administrators, counselors and teachers as well as upperclassmen in the Buccaneer University peer mentoring program. The incoming freshmen learned about numerous topics including student government, homecoming, spirit days, athletics and technology areas such as ParentSquare and the care of their new Chromebooks.

“At Islip High School, we believe in a student-centered approach to education, and this belief extends to how we welcome our newest students at the beginning of each school year,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “Under the leadership of Assistant Principals Meghan Stern and Lisa Ward and school counselor Nicole Hall, dozens of upperclassmen were trained as peer leaders through our Buccaneer University program. Today, these students helped to facilitate small break-out groups with entering freshmen to orient them and to encourage the Class of 2028 to take full advantage of the academic and co-curricular offerings at our high school. Our incoming freshmen are officially ready for the first day of school!”

“We are here to help the transition from middle school to high school,” Hall told the rising freshmen. “We are here to make it easy, we are here to make it fun and we are here to support you. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to get involved and find out what your passion is. We have so many opportunities, and we hope you take advantage of as many of them as you can.”

Date Added: 8/30/2024