Published: July 18, 2008 11:01 am      

EDUCATION: Program to aid incoming freshman

Medina: High School adopts mentor training.

Hands on hips, the “Cupid Shuffle” blaring from a small stereo, 31 Medina High School juniors and seniors laughed their way through the “Class of 2012 dance” Thursday.

The song transitioned to “Jump On It,” “Mr. Roboto,” “Soulja Boy,” “Beat It” and “Get Low.” Gathered together on the high school stage, they looked like a cheesy scene in a teen movie, somehow moving in unison to the same dance moves. By the end, they were already asking to practice it again.

As the selected mentors for the incoming freshmen class, the group participated in a day-long Kick-Off Program training with Kevin Lonzo, son of program creator Lee Lonzo. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., they learned about what it will take to help the Class of 2012 succeed.

And that includes their very own class dance.

“Every single freshman next year will have a mentor,” said Medina junior Nic Elliott. “We’re there to help them.”

Administrators are taking a proactive approach to assisting freshmen with the transition to high school life this year, said Principal Wes Pickreign. Upperclassmen will be charged with four to five freshmen, whom they will follow throughout the year.

In the past, an hour-long orientation in August was the extent of students’ introduction to high school, Pickreign said. The students listened to “talking heads,” leaving them ill-prepared the first day of school. Some fell into problems academically and behaviorally.

The Kick-Off Program provides freshmen with a concerned mentor — much like a big brother or sister — who cares about whether they do well.

According to past statistics, up to 40 percent of freshmen are at risk of failing a course half-way through the school year, Pickreign said. Teachers and staff are optimistic the Kick-Off Program will reduce that by at least half.

“We know that the transition from middle school to high school is very difficult,” Pickreign said.

A new and improved four-hour freshmen orientation Aug. 27 will include interactive ice breakers, team-building activities and an introduction to school programs and classes. Students will also receive their class schedule assignments and test their lockers.

Before a picnic lunch provided by the Medina Parent Teacher Association, the mentors will teach them the “Class of 2012 dance.”

“They’re going to have some fun, (and) develop some school spirit,” Pickreign said. “Failure is not an option. (The mentors) are going to take a personal interest in their five kids.”

Mentors will need to remind freshmen that they have only 720 days of high school, said Kevin Lonzo. That means they have to make the most of the time they have — because as long as four years may seem, it will go by fast.

Freshmen should be encouraged to become involved in school activities and clubs, he said.

“How do you want to be seen when you graduate? How do you want to be remembered?” Lonzo said. “They have to put something into high school or they won’t take anything away from it. ... You guys have to help them realize that.”

Medina is one of the first schools in the area to implement the Kick-Off Program, said originator Lee Lonzo, a 30-year veteran educator. He hopes to have 50 more between Rochester and Buffalo involved in the program by next year.

Since its inception in 2001, the program has reached more than 225 high schools nationwide and helped more than 100,000 freshmen. It is believed to reduce school violence and bullying, Lee Lonzo said.

“I think it will work here,” Elliott said. “It will help us interact with them.”

To qualify as a mentor, upperclassmen were required to apply for the voluntary position, Pickreign said. A special committee chose the final group, based on their diverse personalities and reliability. The program will benefit them, too, he said, as they develop vital leadership skills for the future.

The mentors are willing to help the freshmen in any way possible, said Medina juniors Courtney McNeil and Charity Greenwood — even if it means helping them with homework.

The wisdom of lessons learned the hard way will be passed along, as well. Greenwood will tell her freshmen charges to expect friends to come and go. New isn’t always bad, Elliott agrees. He tried out for the marching band and loves it. He would like to see his freshmen try something new, too.

Classes should also come first for freshmen, McNeil said. They must plan ahead for college and work with the guidance department to make sure they will graduate on time.

Donations made by Mark’s Pizzeria, Coca-Cola in Buffalo, Edy’s Ice Cream and Indiana Popcorn provided special treats for the training and freshmen orientation.

Medina’s freshmen class has approximately 150 students, Pickreign said.

“Creating the right atmosphere and (the) right attitude is going to help,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to improve academic performance.”

Contact reporter Nicole Coleman at 798-1400, ext. 8227.