Programs for new students:
Orientation covers important ground

During the first few days at School and for several succeeding Saturdays, all new students participate in specially designed sessions.  As a package, these varied and interactive meetings begin communication about key issues.  The ideas are all important to students’ lives — life at Milton in some cases, and life beyond Milton in many.  A summary of the early meetings includes:

1. Technology at Milton: using your computer, Milton’s resources, and the electronic life of the campus.
   
   
2. Cultural sharing: learning about who we are, individually, and with our very diverse backgrounds, what we bring to the rich texture of campus life.
   
   
3. The Student Self-Governing Association: Student leaders create a fun morning and share with new students the keys to life at Milton.  They clue the latest Miltonians in to highlights of campus life and culture, helping them learn about how to get involved and how to relax as well as how our disciplinary system works, and what responsibilities student leaders have.
   
   
4. Living in a diverse community: Heather Flewelling, director of multicultural programming, and Tonysha Taylor, assistant dean of students, help build awareness about acting as a member of a diverse community. The program explores of the following questions through the use of film, interactive activities and discussion:

   What unique and cultural gifts do we each bring to Milton?
   How do our perceptions of ourselves and others affect how we come together and interact as a community? 
   How do stereotypes limit our experiences at Milton and in the world?
   How do stereotypes limit the expression of others' identities?
   How can we create a community where all members feel valued and respected?

5. Risk-taking and relationships: Ellie Griffin, director of counseling, reports that Milton seniors* manage this session and address social issues that accompany adolescence (drinking, drugs, how to help a friend, sexual pressures, eating issues, etc.) as well as the how to build healthy relationships, and when to seek help and where to go for it.  “Our hope is that by addressing the social challenges up front and talking about them, that new students will make good choices,” says Mrs. Griffin. The seniors promote thoughtful decision making, good choices, and responsible behavior.

* Seniors leading the session are members of ISS (Independent Student Support), SECS (Students Educating the Community about Sexuality), and the Junior and Senior Peer Leaders.

 

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