Getting into the school groove

Dozens of students danced in line, heeding the commands of their instructor. Some were reluctant, shifting their bodies nonchalantly to the booming music. Others let go of their inhibitions and didn’t miss a step. Either way, it wasn’t the most typical scene for a high school orientation.

It’s back-to-school time now, and for many students and parents that means waiting in endless lines and signing a number of forms while they register for classes. However, Ocean View High School likes to do things a bit differently.

For the 13th year, the school opened its arms to incoming freshmen during this year’s Week of Welcome. Unlike most high schools around the area, Ocean View introduces its students to the school with a weeklong program structured like the ones welcoming college freshmen to their campuses.

“Every college has a freshmen orientation,” said Kevin Fairman, activities director. “If it’s important enough for college students then it’s very important for high school students.

“We give them a snapshot of what their high school experience is going to be like,” said Fairman, who has been running the program for seven years. “They get to see everything that’s available to them in one week. It’s really cool.”

According to Assistant Principal Rod Raschke, the program, which is not mandatory, attracts about 85% of the incoming freshmen each year. Participants take part in icebreakers and team-building games and hear from motivational speakers. Older students and faculty help run the program, providing incoming freshmen with a wider network to fall back on.

“That’s an important piece,” Assistant Principal Marilyn Palomino said. “They get to know the teachers. That contributes to success: [building] a rapport with teachers.”

Overall, Ocean View’s Week of Welcome seems to be a hit among everyone involved.

“My kid went to school here,” Raschke said. “This week made the transition easier. When he walked on campus that first day of school, he knew what was going on.

“I have never gotten a negative comment about it in my eight years [here].”

During senior exit interviews, nearly half of the outgoing seniors say Week of Welcome was their most notable memory from high school, Fairman said.

A number of the incoming freshmen were already fans.

“It’s been pretty fun so far,” said Daniel Tran.

“The activities and meeting people have been fantastic,” Kameron Nunes added.

The week may have been more useful for Dominic Morenovilla than anybody else. Morenovilla just moved to the Huntington Beach area from Eagle Rock, so getting to know other freshmen and teachers in a new setting was valuable.

“It’s really cool,” he said. “I came from Eagle Rock, so it’s a pretty big change for me. I think this will help a lot.”

Next year’s Week of Welcome has not been finalized yet as the school is currently looking for funds. Raschke said he was confident that the financial issues would be taken care of.