This year’s Freshman Orientation took place Aug. 21 and 22 and ran from 8:30 am until 2 pm. Approximately 400 of the 480 incoming freshmen attended the orientation.

A group of 47 student link leaders about 20 teachers helped acclimate the freshmen to their new surroundings. Student Activities Director Lisa Hall, Assistant Principal Kim Cowell and Student Body Vice President Maya Bruhis planned most of the activities. “The objectives of Freshman Orientation are to introduce the students to Gunn through activities and help them gain skills like, planning, organization and doing homework and to explain the main differences between middle school and high school,” Hall said.

This year’s Freshman Orientation differed from previous years’ in that it included useful advice for freshmen in addition to a chance to meet peers and see the campus. “For many years, it was one day and no teacher involvement and the link leaders did everything, it was mostly social,” Hall said. “There was not a lot of practical advice of how to adjust to high school.”

The orientation began with an introduction in Spangenberg with speeches by the Student Body President, Spirit Commissioner and Dance Commissioner, as well as performances by the cheer and song squads. The freshmen also watched the video of last year’s Homecoming festivities. After the assembly, the freshmen divided into small groups led by link leaders and teachers. In the tradition of Freshman Orientation, the link leaders dressed up the members of the class of 2011—this year as pirates, princesses, superheroes and animals.

The groups then ventured off to different classrooms where they played icebreakers and various name games. The link leaders explained the differences between high school and middle school, including the amount of homework and extra credit, and gave them tips about forming relationships with teachers. The link leaders also explained basic information about graduation and college acceptance requirements and answered questions about InClass, grades and tutorial. “We have been showing them the ins and outs of Gunn in order to get the freshmen more comfortable” senior link leader Brooke Lieberwitz said.

In addition to giving the freshmen basic information about Gunn, link leaders shared tips of their own about how to enjoy high school. “We have been giving them the insider tips about life at Gunn, like Homecoming tips and what classes are fun to take,” senior Link Leader C.J. Longyear said.

Junior link leader Hallie Douglas told the freshman to “have fun and be involved and don’t let any opportunities pass because you’re only in high school once.”

The second day of orientation included similar activities. Freshmen also received their temporary schedules and planners. Freshmen, link leaders and teachers enjoyed a free lunch both days.

Most freshmen interviewed thought that Freshman Orientation accomplished its objectives. “Overall, the orientation has been great, although it has been a little bit long, I feel much better about going to high school now,” freshman Tommy Seidel said.

Freshman Holt Bowmer also found the two days of activities useful. “I think it’s definitely worthwhile because I get a feel of the school and I feel much more comfortable at Gunn,” he said.