Ninth-graders and new students welcomed to Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

Rising ninth-graders and new students attending Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in September toured their new building, learned about clubs and activities, and received some practical advice from their peers on time management, choosing classes, and making the most of Bonus Block during an orientation session held Aug. 31.

The annual orientation event gives incoming high school students the chance to feel more at home in their new building prior to the first day of school. Older high school students, known as Orientation Leaders (OLs), provide tours, answer questions, and help direct (and even entertain) ninth-graders and transfer students.

Rising ninth-graders Spencer Long and Gavin Suloff were grateful to have the chance to locate their classrooms in advance of the first day.

“I think it’s good to be prepared for what you’re going to have to do on the first day of school and at least know a little about where your classes are,” said Spencer, who had the chance to figure out the quickest route to get between classrooms located far apart.

Gavin said he got lost trying to find his way back to a classroom during orientation but someone helped him get to his destination.

“Orientation is definitely important,” he said. “I would definitely be lost if I didn’t have this on the first day.”

Orientation Leaders Julia Sciotto and Giacomo Paladino are glad to help out. Both said that they became interested in becoming OLs when they learned about the opportunity as younger students. Julia did not have the chance to participate in her own orientation, since she was a freshman during the 2020-21 school year when schools were closed due to the pandemic. She certainly appreciates being able to provide that opportunity to students now.

“I definitely wish I had it my freshman year because I think it’s really helpful, which is why I continue to do it,” said Julia, who is now a senior.

Giacomo, who is a junior, participated in orientation when he was younger, and while the first day of school as a ninth-grader was “a little scary,” he remembered everyone being helpful and nice. 

“I’m definitely glad I got to do it the first year,” he said.

Julia and Giacomo are now pros who help to answer questions from students about how to get to classrooms, what Bonus Block is for, and what Advanced Placement classes the high school has. Along with helping students navigate the building, Orientation Leaders also performed a song for the ninth-graders in the gym, and introduced themselves to everyone by name and included a reference to a club or sport in which they participate.