Green and black balloons, colorful banners proclaiming “Titan Pride” and dozens of student leaders greeted 320 members of Pioneer High School’s Class of 2021 on Aug. 15 for Freshman First Day, an annual student orientation program that takes place at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help students learn about the schools they will call home for the next four years.
Now in its 13th year, Freshman First Day eases students’ transition from middle school to high school by encouraging the District’s nearly 3,000 ninth-graders to tour their respective schools, attend abbreviated class sessions, meet their teachers and classmates, and participate in fun and interactive team-building activities before upperclassmen arrive the next day.
On Aug. 16, Whittier Union welcomed close to 11,900 new and returning students for the official first day of the 2017-18 school year.
“Freshman First Day is the first introduction our students have to their new school – the place in which they will make lifelong friends and meet the teachers who will push them beyond their limits to reach their fullest academic potential,” said Whittier Union Superintendent Martin Plourde. “We are excited to welcome these new and returning students to an inclusive and supportive environment, and are eager to continue molding the minds of our future leaders.”
At Pioneer, Link Crew juniors and seniors, who will serve as mentors to the students during their first year at the school, led campus tours, answered questions and participated in activities, including a balloon-pop challenge, to help the underclassmen come out of their shells.
Students also took advantage of information sessions on helpful high school tips, including social media use, dress code and helpful resources available to them at Pioneer.
This school year, students can look forward to new furniture in the cafeteria, as well as the re-opening of Bergenthal Gymnasium, which will feature new wall logos in September and logos on its resurfaced floor in November. This is also the last season that Pioneer will compete in the Del Rio League before moving to the newly formed 605 League next year.
“The Titan community is honored and excited to welcome the class of 2021 to our campus, where we will continue to set and reach goals, work harder and take student achievement to the next level,” Pioneer High School Principal Lilia Bozigian said. “I look forward to continuing to push our students to reach new academic heights and leave each day stronger and prepared to excel every day after.”