As summer slowly trickles to an end, it is only natural for feelings of queasiness to build up during the last lazy days of vacation. For incoming freshman, these anxieties and fears are only intensified, and do not begin to subside until the first grueling day of high school is completed. The first day will always be daunting, yet the CHS class of 2018 will eventually learn that high school is not as bad as television and movies make it out to be. Although the first couple weeks of high school can be challenging for the youngest and most inexperienced students on campus, freshman at CHS are fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in Peer Support, a student-run program intended to foster a supportive environment for CHS students. Peer Support offers one-on-one peer counseling, presentations, school-wide campaigns and peaceful conflict resolution. Any student with a sensitive or personal question is encouraged to talk to a peer counselor where he or she will have the benefit of receiving advice from a fellow student as an alternative to a faculty member or other adult. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to Peer Support staff, and any communication with members of the program is guaranteed to be kept private.
“My goal is to help make all students feel comfortable on campus and feel like they are a part of our school,” said senior Spencer Hurwitz, Peer Support President. “If a student is new or does not have a lot friends, he or she will have somewhere to turn.”
In order to provide even more advantages for freshmen students, Peer Support also organizes Coyote Connect, a middle-to-high school transition program that familiarizes freshmen with CHS life. Held once a week for the first seven weeks of school, which include Associated Student Body elections and an anti-bullying assembly, Coyote Connect is pivotal for freshmen to get comfortable in high school and fall into a steady rhythm. Freshmen should keep in mind that Coyote Connect allows them to personally get to know an older student as well as a teacher. In addition to providing a new friend, older Peer Support members are able to provide insight and advice, having gone through the same experience when they were freshmen.
“Coyote Connect helps students to develop skills like how to work in a group and how to communicate with their classmates,” said Hurwitz. “These skills are crucial for success not only in high school but later in life as well. We strive to ensure that each student knows that this is a fresh start and has the necessary knowledge for a successful high school career.”
Another program open to all students is FRIENDS. Hosted by Peer Counselors every day at lunch, FRIENDS offers a comfortable environment for students to have during lunch. Its location alternates betwen H106 and the room between H105 and H106. FRIENDS is the perfect place to relax, make friends and ask questions.
“It doesn’t matter what activity you join in high school, you just have to join one,” said Hurwitz. “Finding what interests you and making friends through that outlet is so important. The more activities you try, the more likely you are to have a great first year.”
Once freshmen adjust to the daily routine of school, they will find that CHS offers of multitude of extracurriculars and programs in which to get involved. From sports, to clubs, to ASB, almost all students enjoy other responsibilities outside of academics. Peer Support is the perfect way to get involved with the school, and freshmen will later have the opportunity to join and become a Peer Counselor. Although freshman can participate in peer support throughout their first year of high school, they can only join the program as a member in the sophomore, junior and senior years.
Hurwitz and other Peer Support staff have made a number of organizational and policy changes in the past year to ensure that each and every student at CHS can truly find a safe and comforting spot within the crazy mess of high school. With Coyote Connect and FRIENDS available and supportive, incoming freshmen will hopefully take advantage of these amazing resources and help make the transition to high school easier for themselves.
