Student Orientation NAD Principals’ Handbook Excerpt
A program of student orientation should be conducted at the beginning of each school year. This orientation could be expanded to include parents. The student handbook provides the basis for this orientation.
March 2019 | Volume 7, No. 7
The Orientation
Administrative Team | Takoma Academy Preparatory school
Why is it important to host a student orientation? It is important to host an orientation to introduce students/families to our school. Orientations should be held for new and returning students/families introducing them to new procedures and expectations for the upcoming school year.
What are the expectations for students and their families that attend the orientation? The expectations for students and their families include meeting staff and teachers, locating their classrooms, securing school supply lists, and asking questions about the upcoming school year.
Families/students are to be provided with the following information during the orientation:
Back to School Night vs.
Student Orientation
Carla Thrower | Principal,
Takoma Academy Preparatory School
There can be a distinct difference between Back to School Night and the New School Year Student Orientation. The New School Year Orientation takes place prior to the opening of the school year while Back to School Night takes place after the start of school.
Back to School Night vs. Student Orientation
Back to School Night
Who is to attend?
New and returning Families
When should this take place?
3–4 weeks into the school year
Agenda:
Opportunity for parents to get further acquainted with the classroom and receive clarity on classroom procedures and expectations. Parents can see their students working space and projects completed or in progress. Parents can sign up to serve as room parents to assist in the classroom or help in planning field trips and class seasonal activities etc.
What Back to School Night is not:
Parent/Teacher Conference (Conferences are held at the end of the first and third quarters)
Additional components to consider:
Student Orientation
Who is to attend?
New and returning Families
When should this take place?
Prior to the opening of the school/Prior to the first day of school
Agenda:
Families/students getting acquainted with the overall school, its policies and procedures. Parents are encouraged to sign up to be members of the Parent And Teachers Association.
What Orientation is not:
Parent/Teacher Conference (Conferences are held at the end of the first and third quarters)
Additional components to consider:
The Student
Orientation Fair
Shanel Marchany | Principal, George E. Peter SDA School
Starting something new can be a complex experience for anyone, regardless of age. New experiences are often met with a wide range of emotions. This was certainly true of my experience during my first year as principal of George E. Peters Adventist School. I hoped to find synergy with my team. I was anxious to kick off engaging academic programs. I was overjoyed by the opportunity, but also fearful of making mistakes. It was for these reasons, that I was grateful for the two-day principal orientation I received at the Alleghany East Conference. In just two days I was able to gain a better understanding of my newfound role, expectations, and responsibilities.
As I considered my experience, I realized the importance of welcoming children to their new school in a way that brings excitement, eases anxiety, and brings reassurance to families. At George E. Peters, orientation is an exciting event filled with unbelievable incentives. We have local barbers come out to provide free haircuts for families, we rent bouncy houses for the kids, there’s plenty of delicious food, free uniform giveaways, free backpacks, free school supplies, and fun outdoor games to play! We’ve designed orientation to be an exciting back to school event that scholars can enjoy. Additionally, new parents are given the opportunity to meet the teacher, met the principal, learn the school handbook, create an account on RenWeb, and sign up for enrichment programs. It’s an event that anyone, regardless of age, can look forward to.
MISSION: STRENGTHENING ADVENTIST EDUCATION ONE LEADER AT A TIME
Newsletter Coordinator
Carla Thrower
Principal
Takoma Academy Preparatory School
Newsletter Editor
Berit von Pohle, Editor
Pacific Union Conference, Director of Education
Ed Boyatt, Editorial Advisor