Think back to your freshman year. How did you feel? Were you nervous about going to a high school with two campuses? Going a school with 2400 students can be very intimidating. This year, Arrowhead implemented a new freshmen orientation program called WINGS.

                From August 24^th to August 26^th, the program was jam-packed with get-to-know-you activities, team builders, scavenger hunts, and even a hypnotist. There was also a parent meeting from 7:30-8:30am where coffee and donuts were available. School Board members, administrators, teachers, counselors, and others were there to talk to the parents about all things Arrowhead.

Arrowhead freshman Evan Sandefur says, “The program was very informative, and I would recommend it to freshmen that are scared of getting lost on their first day.”

Freshman Katarina Theo says, “The video when the juniors gave advice to freshmen was really helpful.”

                The people responsible for the program, which included science teacher Greg Bisbee, secretary Linda Kempen, guidance counselor Michelle McKenna, Spanish teacher Jeanne Psket, secretary Marie Schneider, social studies teacher Ty Breitlow, assistant principal Deb Paradowski and math teacher Rick Witte, say that this sort of transitional experience was already being done at middle schools, high schools, and even some universities such as UW Whitewater.

The people listed above worked with a lot of people including administrators, counselors, teachers, custodians, and students to plan, implement and execute WINGS. Barb Whyte, counselor, and Deb Paradowski, assistant principal, oversaw the work of all involved.

                According to Witte, the difference between this program and the previous one-day orientation is that students get more of a transitional experience. Incoming freshmen got to meet new people, and learn more about some of Arrowhead’s tradition.

The freshmen attended Warhawk Classes where they, according to Witte, “had the opportunity to learn from teachers and upper classman about Arrowhead and all it has to offer.”

 Also, throughout WINGS upperclassmen served as peer mentors, talking with and guiding the incoming freshmen. This was an opportunity for upperclassmen to be leaders in their school and good role models for other students.

                The feedback from all involved was very positive, Witte says.