Hundreds of Pioneer Valley freshman receive early welcome at school with fun-filled activities

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Nearly 800 incoming Pioneer Valley High School freshman received an early welcome on Friday during an special event held each year for 9th graders.

"Today is our 9^th grade Link Crew orientation, so it's an orientation for our incoming 9^th grade class led by our current upper division students, juniors and seniors," said Pioneer Valley Dean of Students Jay Edwards. "The purpose is to get incoming students familiarized with the school. It's a chance for our upperclassmen to provide leadership and guidance to our incoming students, really to provide that link between the students who know about the high school challenges, the high school strategies, the high school events and organizations and impact that knowledge on the newest generation of Panthers."

With about 775 freshman entering the school this year, the students were divided into two sessions, half arrived in the morning, while the other half attended the orientation in the afternoon.

Over the course of three hours, the new incoming freshmen were treated to a number of fun-filled activities. They also formed into small groups that were led exclusively by around 150 Link Crew students.

"It's a way to make a real difference in our school environment because we get to meet the first impression of the freshman so they can kind of already know high school is going to be like and they can have a good attitude going into high school," said Link Crew senior student James Blumenthal. "We talk to them about different opportunities here at school, clubs, classes, but we also give insight on our favorite teachers, our favorite classes, our favorite activities, and also advice on how to deal with the challenges that come with being a high school student."

A key element of the event is each group of students is given a tour of the sprawling Pioneer Valley campus, which is home to nearly 3,400 students, making it the largest school on the Central Coast.just

"Now I know where the buildings are," said incoming freshman Sharmaine Acosta. "So now we know our way around and we're comfortable here the first day and we're not lost."

The orientation allows freshmen to help create new friendships and connections, not only with other incoming new students, but also their Link Crew leaders as well.

"The goal here is to really build the campus culture and campus culture is about the students, as with so many things with a school," said Edwards. "Our campus culture will be as positive as the students that are here at school. "The fact that we're able to offer an opportunity before the school year even starts allows upperclassmen to build relationships with those incoming 9^th graders and it means that those incoming 9^th graders will have kind of a lifeline, a network of support heading into the school year and throughout the first year."

The first day of class at Pioneer Valley High School is Thursday, Aug. 10.

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