Truman students built community on “Freshman Takeover Day”
To improve the freshman experience and create community among students at Harry S. Truman High School, ninth grade students participated in Freshman Takeover Day on January 18. The day was facilitated by the Truman Think Tank team, which includes high school teachers and administrators as well as Chief Learning Officer & Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships Julia Skolnik.
“I want to thank our students, staff, and Think Tank team for being brave and bold in planning and participating in this venture to build a positive, connected culture here at Harry S. Truman High School,” said Principal Jon Craig. “I was encouraged by the leadership displayed by students and staff throughout the day’s activities.”
Session rotations in the morning included a science of the teen brain presentation by Skolnik, an obstacle course, a cup stacking team challenge, a photo booth and various games that focused on team-building. In the afternoon, students signed up for breakout sessions with small groups that focused on science and engineering activities, painting, jewelry-making, art, yoga and sports.
“I think the heart and soul of any school are the people within it,” said Assistant Principal Dawn Martesi. “When we make building relationships a priority within a school, students are academically successful and teachers are fulfilled professionally. Connectivity between students as well as students and teachers is how positivity and strong culture is built within a building.”
Ultimately, Freshman Takeover Day was deemed a success by Truman students, staff and administration. “Students and teachers were having fun throughout the whole day, building connections with one another, and creating a stronger community across the ninth grade,” said Skolnik. “The Truman Think Tank team of teachers and administrators are a fantastic model for school districts around the country of what it looks like to empower teachers to innovate valuable experiences for their students.”
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