Seaford schools host orientations for new students

About two months after saying goodbye to their old schools, about 350 Seaford students were warmly greeted at their new schools. Orientations for the district’s sixth and ninth graders took part during the last week of summer vacation.

Seaford Middle School welcomed its newest students on Aug. 26. It began with an informational session for students and their parents, led by Principal Raphael Morey and Assistant Principal Joseph Polite. They gave an overview of a typical day in middle school and talked about some of the new experiences for sixth graders like changing classes and having lockers. Seventh and eighth grade student government leaders shared some words of wisdom before students went off to tour the building. In addition to finding their classrooms and lockers, they also went on a schoolwide scavenger hunt.

Many teachers were on hand so students would have familiar faces on the first day of school. Morey said that the welcoming atmosphere created by staff is indicative of this year’s theme, “Seaford Middle School: A Family of Learners.”

“There are a lot of people in the building ready and eager to help our sixth graders in this transition and to make their middle school years the best,” Morey said.

The following afternoon, Seaford High School’s ninth graders and their parents gathered in the auditorium for orientation. Principal Nicole Schnabel and assistant principals Alex Mantay and Melanie Judson spoke about the differences between middle school and high school, and highlighted new opportunities for students in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities.

Juniors and seniors from the Freshmen Mentors club then led the ninth graders on tours of the building. The upperclassmen were selected for the responsibility because they were identified as positive role models. The ninth graders will be encouraged to connect with their assigned mentors throughout the year when they need support and guidance.

“I want our incoming scholars to be excited about new opportunities,” Schnabel said, “to feel supported and feel confident that they will be able to achieve greatness, no matter what their interests are.”