The first week of school is probably when students are still most excited about their education. Getting students as connected to staff, resources, and other students during this time is extremely important because it will reaffirm to them that they made a sound decision investing in their education.
Once the student feels comfortable and connected to the school staff, administrator and Educator it is easy to build trust and connection.
Students that miss initial orientation may feel lost and experience buyers remorse. Ensure they get ALL the missed information, and check with them for unanswered questions. If possible assign to them another classmate who has mastered the basics already.
The first week of classes is very important for all administrators and faculty to keep an eye on all new students. This week is where we can identify the students that may not make it and these are the ones that we need to give extra support to. Having an informative first week is important to keep all new students engaged and excited about them having made a good choice to enroll in the school. Having a start class picture to hang on a wall would be a good idea to give new students a send of belonging. Late enrolled students should be given the Orientation information, even if it is one on one and I like the idea of paring them with a senior student.
Late enrollment students should always receive specifically assigned a mentor, coach or support team to ensure comfort and clarity.
Orientation is a crucial component of the academic experience. Students should leave feeling engaged, well-informed, and prepared for success in their classes. engaged, informed, and set up for success in their class.
Be flexible. Today's students come with challenges but they also come with experience from those challenges. Do not look at these students as AT-Risk. Look at them as a diverse perspective to add to the classroom.
