Back at it again with the FANS

The transition from middle to high school is marked by uncertainty.  

Being the oldest and tallest kids at school, eighth graders enjoy the street cred that comes with carrying knowledge about every teacher, club and sport. 

Upon entering ninth grade, students lose this hard-earned status. The bustling schedule and seemingly endless stream of students through the hallways of South is a stark reminder of the contrast between middle and high school.

For many, fitting in with the prevailing campus culture is a long and arduous process.

Enter the Freshman and New Students Program.

Revamped under new leadership, FANS seeks to make the first year of high school a more enjoyable experience.  Juniors and Seniors who participate in the program spend nearly every day in Freshmen tutorials. These students engage in class discussions and fun games for the Freshmen. 

Meredith Williams, South’s German teacher and sponsor of the program, saw the benefits of mentoring.  She emphasized the “unstated rules of high school” that upperclassmen can explain to first-year students. 

“In the application process I was looking for students who care about [South]…and who are pretty proud of the accomplishments and opportunities and programs,” said Williams.  

She also sought students “from all walks of life” to help a wide array of Freshman with different interests.

Adam Henn and Amy Graham, Juniors, chose to apply for FANS in order to secure more A+ hours.  Incentives like A+ and potential reserved parking spots enticed many upperclassmen to sign up for the program.  

“We give back to the students in a way that the school cannot,” said Graham. 

She said she hopes to see the implementation of more incentives for FANS members.

Freshman George Ranes greatly appreciates the involvement of mentors in his tutorial class.  

“They talked about stuff that I can do for A+ and they’ve helped me learn about what [South] does during tutorial hours,” said Ranes.  

He referenced a door poster for girls tennis and a number of icebreaker activities that have made tutorial a captivating experience. 

The successful implementation of the Freshman and New Students Program is one of many new additions to South.  It will continue through the first semester, with plans to practice crucial study habits.