Colonial Forge's Freshman Orientation Night Bridges the Gap for New Students

One of the most intimidating parts of early life is that first year of high school, but one of the things that can help ease the nerves is Colonial Forge’s freshman orientation night, which was hosted on Thursday. Freshman orientation is a pivotal experience for new students as they embark on their journey through high school education. It serves as an introduction to the environment of Forge, aiming to ease the transition from middle school to high school.

Current eighth graders planning on attending Colonial Forge next year were welcomed in for the opportunity to tour the school and look at some of the clubs they will be able to join next year.

Tables were set up in the cafeteria, which allowed numerous athletic teams and various extracurriculars to promote their activities and encourage people to join.

Walking in, the Colonial Forge Cheer team lined the halls, giving a warm welcome to incoming freshmen and their families. 

After the new students were invited to an assembly in the auditorium, giving the newcomers an opportunity to familiarize themselves with some of the key points of academic life at Colonial Forge. It provides a sense of assurance that they aren’t just joining a school, but a community where they can learn and create friendships.

Throughout the orientation, a range of topics are covered: an overview of requirements, guidance on course selection, and introductions to some of the counseling staff.

The goal is to equip freshmen with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the next four years. 

Beyond academics, freshman orientation emphasizes the importance of involvement in the school community through extracurricular activities. 

Students are introduced to clubs, organizations, and sports teams, encouraging them to explore their interests outside the classroom. These experiences not only enrich their student experience but also help them build lasting friendships and connections that extend beyond graduation.

A highlight of freshman orientation is the tour. Guided by enthusiastic students, newcomers get acquainted with the layout of the school, discovering key locations such as the library. Navigating the school on their first day will be less daunting as students gain familiarity with their surroundings, contributing to a smoother transition into high school life. 

After the tour, the rising freshmen were able to walk around and speak to the leaders of clubs offered at Colonial Forge. 

“It was helpful being able to talk to new students and praise the club. I think that we definitely got a lot of people interested.” Brianna Manzano (‘25), a member of the French Club said.

Many students and parents had questions about the activities done inside each individual club and what their mission was.

“I had a lot of fun answering questions. We got to talk about what our club means to us and kind of brag about what we do and what we stand for. We got a lot of sign-ups which is great, and we even got people in higher grades interested, that didn’t know exactly what the club was,” Emily Hicks (‘25), president of the Female Empowerment Club.

As freshman orientation drew to a close, students left with more than just information— they now carry a sense of belonging, knowledge, and maybe even some newfound friends. 

The experience sets the foundation for a successful and fulfilling high school journey, helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.