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BVSD student leaders describe freshman orientations, peer-mentoring at board meeting
Summary
Student leaders from Boulder High, Centaurus, Fairview and Monarch explained how upperclassmen-led orientation programs help freshmen adjust, form relationships and connect to clubs and sports. Students said programs range from weekly seminars and small-group outreach to phone contact and summer postcards; some schools adapted to budget and
Several BVSD high school student leaders returned to the board Tuesday night to describe programs that mentor freshmen and help them connect to school life.
Program descriptions and local impacts: Students said the programs reduce anxiety, orient freshmen to large campuses and create upperclassmen-freshman relationships that last beyond the first day.
- Boulder High (Panther Bridal): Ellery Barge described a program with about 150 leaders and a freshman seminar that used to meet weekly in the first semester. "Having a friendly face in the hallway, having an upperclassman know your name and check-in is really important," Barge said. This year, because of budget and schedule changes, leaders plan weekly newsletters, texts and increased outreach at games, including events with food trucks, to bring freshmen into the community.
- Centaurus High: Sienna Spenny said her school focuses on equal-access orientation for students in special education and culturally and linguistically diverse programs. Centaurus' leadership team emphasized building leadership skills and supporting clubs and a planned "cram fest" collaboration for exam preparation.
- Fairview High: Student leaders described "night crew" outreach that connects small groups of incoming freshmen with upperclassmen who call or send postcards over the summer and lead activities during orientation day; the goal is to make a large campus feel smaller.
- Monarch High (MOHAI 360): Commissioners Ben Lehman and Ahalia Nowakowski described summer outreach, small-group tours, icebreakers and trained leaders who support students who feel lost or alone; they also plan freshmen-focused events during Monarch Mayhem and homecoming to maintain engagement.
Board reaction: Board members praised the student leaders and thanked staff and adult sponsors. Board members also urged continued district support and adult sponsors for extracurricular clubs that provide the adult supervision clubs need.
Ending: The board said it would continue to highlight student leadership programs as vital tools for student engagement and school climate.
