Students moving to a new community and attending a new school can face a lot of problems. Their biggest worry is usually fitting in. The school counselor, the administration and the teachers can help the students assimilate successfully. They can encourage other students to become involved with the new students, too.
New students need to feel like part of the school community as quickly as possible. A school administrator should begin by giving students a complete orientation at their new school. They should take them on a tour of the school and show them the classrooms, gym, computer lab, band room, and cafeteria. They should tell them about the history of the school, its academic achievements, and its athletic and debating teams. The administrator can talk to the students about what’s expected of them in the classroom and what rules the school has.
The school counselor should talk to the students about what they’re most interested in. If the students are older, the counselor can ask them about career interests. If they are younger, the counselor can ask them about their favorite subjects at their previous school. The counselor can tell the students about all the extracurricular activities at school. For example, the school might offer programs for sports, art, music, or a school newspaper.
The teachers have the most important job when it comes to new students. It’s up to them to help the students meet other students in class. They can also help them learn how classes are conducted in their new school. They can encourage other students to make friends with the new people and help them learn the system. Since the teachers spend a lot of time with their students, they can keep an eye on the new students and make sure they’re adapting well.
Both the faculty and the regular students need to help new students feel like a part of the school. It’s not easy, but it pays off with a happier, more successful school life in the end.
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