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| Written by Alice Knotts | |
| Friday, 14 May 2010 | |
 “Transitioning to high school is a process: Not an Event!”  Gathered together in the comfort of their own cafeteria, this year's GEAR UP 8th grade class at Pioneer Middle School learned the meaning of this statement the easy way: while enjoying a delicious dinner of spicy posole (Mexican soup) provided free for them by GEAR UP, and listening to presenters from Walla Walla High School advise them on what they can expect to face as freshmen next year. The eighth graders received straight forward information on what it will be like for them to move from the “top of the heap” to the “bottom of the barrel,” how to balance freedom and responsibility, and areas of concern they will face when they first step onto the WA-HI campus. Some of the concerns discussed included getting lost, bullying, fitting in, increased homework, and where to find help when they need it. After an insightful look into the hardest parts of entering high school, the presenters toldstudents they don’t have to make this transition alone. There is help available for any student who chooses to seek it. WA-HI has a student support team, a drug and alcohol counselor, a Hispanic student/community liaison, GEAR UP academic workshops and extended learning labs, AVID, and academic support classes.  In spite of the many trials they will face, the presenters assured the eighth graders that high school is not all books and lectures. The WA-HI ASB activities provide great entertainment, and will open new doors for their social lives. Link Crew will provide them an upper-class mentor and Freshman connection activities. They will have opportunities to join clubs, go to dances, be active in leadership roles, swing fifty feet above ground on the “Screamer” ride during Big Blue Weekend, and much, much more! Event Date: Monday, April 26th The Pioneer 8th grade orientation event was organized, promoted, sponsored, and staffed by GEAR UP. | |
| Last Updated ( Friday, 14 May 2010 ) |
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