Incoming Freshmen Get Insider's View of Masuk

Although Monroe's schools aren't officially starting until next week, Masuk High School opened its doors this morning to ninth grade students so they could familiarize themselves with their classrooms, lockers, school building and extracurricular activities.

School Principal John Battista greeted members of the Class of 2015 and encouraged them to "get involved" in all that the school had to offer. "We have a fine tradition of success at Masuk," Battista said. "We want you to get involved so you can have the kind of success that the people who have gone before you have had."

Led by upperclass volunteers, the freshmen divided up into small groups and participated in a variety of team-building activities. They also had the opportunity to walk through their own individual schedules after receiving a tour of the building.

"Before you get here, Masuk can seem intimidating," said Taylor Nolfi, a junior. He and his friend, Chris Gorman, were volunteering for the second year at Fresh Fest.

"It can be confusing on the first day of school," Chris admitted.

They both agreed that attending Fresh Fest two years ago, when they were incoming freshmen, helped to alleviate some of the first-day jitters.

This morning they were scheduled to offer some tips for reducing stress during the school year. "If there is something that you like to do, you should do it as a way to relax," said Chris.

Taylor agreed. "I think it's also a good idea to get organized so that you could manage your time well," he said. "Don't procrastinate."

Though he might not tackle his homework as soon as he gets home from school, Taylor doesn't like to wait until "right before bedtime" to complete assignments that are due the next day. "It's easier to just get it done and then you don't have to worry about it," Taylor added.

Students had a chance to meet representatives from several sports teams and clubs, such as fencing, fire brigade, wrestling, marching band, venture crew ("It's like a co-ed Boy Scouts!"), swimming, cross country, soccer, field hockey, Future Business Leaders of America, and the performing arts club.

Freshman student Jillian Canal signed up for the high school Performing Arts Club. During the second week of school, auditions for the fall musical "Urinetown" will take place. Directed by Julia Strong, the comedic show addresses the themes of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is monitored because of a 20-year drought.

Jillian was excited to join her older brother James on the Masuk stage. "I think Fresh Fest is helpful because then you're not really scared on the first day of school," she said.

Zackary Blanchette, another ninth grade student interested in joining the school's drama club, agreed. "I had a lot of questions about our freshman year but now they're all answered. This has been very informative," he said.

Tonight at 7 p.m. freshman students and parents are invited back to Masuk High School for a special orientation that focuses on its Pupil Services department. "We want to make sure that you know about all of the services we have to offer you this year and throughout the next four years," said Battista.

The Masuk High School Parent Teacher Club is selling homework agendas for $5. They will be available in the school cafeteria next week, too.