Jeff Holman, a counselor at Haddonfield Memorial High School, presents information to a group of seniors on graduation requirements and college applications during senior orientation.
In an effort to easy the stress of students as they prepare for graduation and apply to colleges, Haddonfield Memorial High School has introduced a new senior orientation program.
Principal Tammy McHale began exploring ways to help seniors after observing last year’s graduating class and getting input from the board of education.
“They had the last week of marking period, all the tests, and then they had (college) applications due,” she recounted of the graduates. “They were high-strung. So with the class of 2025 last year, I started brainstorming some ideas to help the future students. And so (the graduates) were a huge part of that, even though they knew it wouldn’t help them.”
McHale and some seniors decided that a version of the school’s freshmen orientation should be afforded to those on their way out. Two optional sessions were offered in August, with the first drawing 89 students and the second 55, a total of 144 out of 185 students from the new senior class.
“For our first time doing this, it was a really good turnout,” McHale noted, “and our goals were to get a two- week head start.”
The orientation began with a slideshow from counselors on the college application process. Students were advised to recruit one or two teachers who know them well or teach subjects related to the graduate’s desired major to write recommendation letters, and to thank them with a hand-written note.
Counselors also offered tips on how to choose colleges, as well as resources and websites where students could find information. They also emphasized the importance of knowing each college’s application deadlines.
Students were then split into breakout groups led by counselors with whom they’re familiar and explored websites and portals they would use for college applications. They also got folders with a checklist of things to do; copies of academic transcripts; and a sheet of details about the high school, including a counselor’s school phone number and extension should that information be required by a prospective college.
“For September, we’ll have at least three meetings with the whole class together, just to keep planting the seed of where they should be and what they should be doing and how to get the help that they need, to really open up the communication,” explained McHale, “but help them manage that stress early on.”
A senior seminar on college essays will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, while the rest of the students take the PSAT.
