NHS To Welcome Largest Freshman Class Ever

By Tanjua Damon

Most students enter Newtown High School hoping to make their mark at some point in their high school career. This year, the incoming Class of 2004 has already made history by being the largest freshman class to date.

Some 365 freshman are expected to fill the halls of NHS on August 30 as the school year begins. Freshman orientation was the place to be Tuesday morning as members of the new class got an overview of what the school has to offer and an early look at where everything is located at their new school.

NHS Principal Bill Manfredonia is not surprised by the unprecedented size of the class because of the growth in the Newtown area. He says this incoming class is a focused group.

“I think it’s just a natural thing that’s happening in Newtown,” Mr Manfredonia said. “I’m pleased with the confidence with our high school and this is reflective of the growth.”

Mr Manfredonia has met with this incoming class several times in the past and has been told great things about them from their middle school teachers.

“The middle school teachers have praised them,” he said. “They are extremely polite, very focused, intelligent, and respectful. I’m looking forward to working with them for four years. We’re excited having them join us.”

He told the incoming freshmen and their parents it is an exciting time, and the next four years will help shape what comes after high school.

“Right now you are moving in and taking the place of a class that just graduated,” Mr Manfredonia said. “You will find that four years will go by very fast.”

Mr Manfredonia gave two pieces of advice for the new students: don’t get caught behind in your work and get involved.

“Eighty percent of our students are involved in some extracurricular activity,” he said. “It’s fun. When you go into a place of employment or college, they want to know what you have done.”

Mr Manfredonia welcomed all the students and told them that everyone at NHS was there to help them with anything and everything they need during the next four years.

“I want to you to know in four years time, hopefully, you’ll be out on the field graduating. We’re here to help you at all times,” he said.

New Assistant Principal Lorrie Arsenian welcomed the class she will oversee this year. She was formerly an English teacher at the school.

“We’ve heard so many wonderful things about you,” she said. “This is a transition period for me as well. I really do look forward to working with you. I wish you the best of luck and a very successful year.”

After getting introductions to the administration staff, the crowd of freshmen watched a video about the kinds of courses, like culinary arts, agriculture, arts and media, and education, that are available to the student body beyond the core subjects. Then students were separated into homerooms to get their schedules and to take a tour of the school.

Rory Morrissey and Tom Neylon are ready to start their freshman year at Newtown High. They admit it will be a bit different from middle school, but they are confident that they can handle the challenge.

“This school’s a lot nicer than the middle school,” Rory said. “My sister is a senior.”

Tom realizes that there are going to be some changes to deal with, especially the amount of independence accorded students at the high school.

“It’s going to be different,” he said. “There is more independence. In middle school we had a lot more help.”

While students were receiving a tour, parents stayed in the auditorium and had an opportunity to ask questions of current high school students and staff. School begins next week on August 30 at 7:30 am.