The PTA is proud to financially support the innovative and wide-ranging programs developed by Freshman Transition. The 6th period leadership students stage an amazing array of activities during the year to help the freshmen students succeed during their first year at M-A.

The following is an excerpt from an October 2007 TriVocis article written by three leaderships students:

"Benefits of Comprehensive Freshman Services at M-A:

• Freshman will be matched with trained peer leaders.
• Freshmen will experience increased tolerance and acceptance of diversity
• Freshmen are taught about services, activities, rules and student expectations
• Students are provided with positive peer role models
• Students gain awareness of responsible behavior around social issues
• Freshmen will have the opportunity to meet and become friends with fellow 9th graders and upper-classmen."

A few of the specific programs that have been developed by various Freshman Transition committees include:

• Food for Thought - a study and tutor program for all freshmen, staffed by leadership students. Free snacks are provided.
• Freshman Recognition - a program to recognize the success of freshman students
• GPA Meetings - freshmen with low GPAs are invited to attend a meeting with leadership students and administrative staff to offer positive encouragement to the students to improve their grades
• Chill It Up - offered by the Culture Committee along with several other activities to highlight the various cultures represented at M-A

For additional information on the Freshman Transition programs, please contact Andy Stuart, 6th Period Leadership Teacher.

In addition, look for monthly articles by the leadership students in the TriVocis.

650.322.5311