Students moving into 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 school’s administration and the students’ teachers can all help the students come through this experience successfully. They can engage other students to become involved with the new students, too.
New students in a school need to feel like part of the school community as quickly as possible. A school administrator should begin by giving students a complete orientation to 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 what they’re most interested in studying. If these are older students, the counselor can ask them about career interests. If these are younger students, the counselor can ask them about their favorite subjects at their old school. The counselor can tell the students about all the extracurricular activities there are at the school. For example, the school might offer things like sports, art, music, and working on 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 new people and help them learn the system. Since they’re with the students the most, they can keep an eye on them and make sure they’re adapting well.
Both the adults and the other students need to help new students feel a part of their new school. It’s not easy, but it pays off with happier, more successful students in the end.