The class of 2011 met in small groups and attended a large pep
assembly in preparation for classes Monday.
Hollister – As she walked around the San Benito High School campus Friday, 14-year-old Veronica Johnson experienced a jolt of reality. High School is finally here.
“I’m excited and nervous because it’s such a big difference from Maze (Middle School),” Johnson said.
Johnson toured the campus for the high school’s freshmen orientation – which gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with everything from the location of their English classroom to their new principal.
The class of 2011 met in small groups and attended a large pep assembly in preparation for classes Monday.
For incoming freshmen, leaving their 1,000-student schools – or in the case of Tres Pinos graduates, a setting of just over 100 kids – for a population of just under 3,000 can bring a mix of emotions.
Incoming freshman Jon Ribera, 15, said he was eager to make new friends but nervous about grades and bullying seniors.
“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to Monday. But I’m nervous,” Ribera said.
To address concerns, upperclassmen students in a program called Link Crew talk to the students in small groups and help acquaint them with their surroundings.
For an incoming class, talking in small groups is sometimes an easier way to address students.
“Link Crew is really important because every freshman pretty much has no idea what to do or where to go,” said Link Crew Leader Todd Pivetti, 16, a junior. “It shows them the basics.”
Pivetti said he answered questions on class location, where to go when in trouble and how to skip class.
Pivetti asserted he didn’t answer the truancy question and instead urged students against skipping class, and to focus on their education.
Link Crew uses the older students to not only answer questions from freshmen, but also to provide good role models and, potentially, a future friendship.
Entering San Benito High School can be nerve-wracking for a 14- or 15-year-old, Pivetti said.
“The biggest concern is being alone and not knowing anyone,” he said. He said he remembered feeling nervous and overwhelmed as a freshman, a reason he was drawn to joining Link Crew.
Despite some nerves, high school also brings a lot of excitement and opportunities for incoming freshmen.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and the whole high school experience,” Johnson said.
Joseph Garcia, 15, said he hopes to meet new people, too. And then there’s ‘Baler athletics.
“I’m looking to football – and girls,” he said, laughing. His friend, 14-year-old Kenny Westfall, agreed with this sentiment.
“And graduating,” Westfall added.
