On Aug. 19, the incoming Class of 2028 freshman class was greeted with enthusiasm and support by students and staff as they began their first step into their high school journey: Freshman Orientation, also known as “Freshman Scoop.” The event was designed to introduce the newest students to the school’s culture and prepare them for the next four years ahead. Staff members, Student Council Association (SCA) representatives, and WINGS mentors were present throughout to assist, answer questions, and help freshmen take flight. 

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., WINGS mentors — sophomore, junior, and senior students who help freshmen adjust to high school — welcomed the incoming students and their parents and assigned them to one of four groups of Rock Ridge’s core tenets: Respect, Integrity, Service, and Empathy (RISE). The freshmen then moved in rotations with their respective groups to learn more about what the school has to offer. 

The orientation kicked off in the auditorium, where students received a brief introduction from assistant principal Dawn Dickerson about the school’s expectations and values, emphasizing the school’s core principles of RISE. The freshmen then assembled into their groups, with SCA members and WINGS mentors as group leaders, guiding them to each rotation. The groups then embarked on a series of activities designed to familiarize them with the school’s environment and culture. 

There were four rotations in total, each dedicated to a significant aspect of life in high school: academics, clubs and activities, self-advocacy, and a student Q&A panel. At each rotation, students and faculty were present to briefly talk about each aspect and answer any questions the freshmen had. 

For the academic rotation, rising freshmen were taken to the library and given a rundown of academic life, where they planned their daily schedule to ensure school and personal balance. They also had the opportunity to write letters to their senior selves. The new cell phone policy was also discussed, along with the changes to the bell schedule. Student Support Adviser Elizabeth Bush assisted the WINGS mentors in this activity, providing more insight into how courses and scheduling work. 

The freshmen were then taken to the main gym to go over the clubs and activities offered with the Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Brad Burzumato and Co-Athletic Director Jennifer Virbickis. Teachers and WINGS mentors articulated the steps to creating and joining a club, along with the sports available to participate in during the different seasons. 

At the self-advocacy rotation, students participated in a scavenger hunt that took them around the school to find places where they could find resources for anything they may need, like mental health counseling, post-graduation advice, and general guidance. This helped the freshmen become more familiar with the layout of the building, ensuring that they would feel more comfortable navigating the hallways once classes began. It was also a valuable opportunity to learn where key locations like the counseling office, college and career center, and the main office are situated. “I’m excited for all the clubs,” freshman Ridhi Bojja said. “[I’m nervous about] getting to all my classes on time. The school is so big.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Ananya Karthik

WINGS mentor Nishitha Kancharla helps two freshmen with the Chicken Toss as they attempt to get the highest number of rubber chickens in their respective baskets.