West Orange Middle School Students Get Head Start On Unique Year

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s hard enough moving up to high school. But for 525 middle school students in West Orange, the change will happen amid the coronavirus crisis.

As the Sept. 14 countdown to the all-remote opening of schools in West Orange continues, students and staff are preparing for a unique start to the semester.

Much of the prep work has been taking place online – just as classes will be until at least Nov. 9, when the district takes another look at possibly returning in person. But it turned out that there is no substitute for the district’s annual freshman orientation events, which give students a chance to create connections with classmates and get a “sense of familiarity” with high school.

With many parents and students worried about COVID-19 safety, the chance to check out the campus – including the insides of buildings – was too important to pass up.

Last week, families across the district gathered for the high school’s orientation. Sitting under umbrellas and wearing face masks, they were led through a series of exercises by Steve Zichella and a troupe of volunteer “Mountaineer Mentors.”

Together, while staying social distanced, the new high school students took part in icebreakers, discussed policies and protocols, reviewed school culture and shared their fears and concerns about returning to class.

The mentors will follow up on the orientation with video conferences and emails.

“We wanted to give the kids a head start,” Zichella said. ““The orientations are important. They help to start relationships, build a bridge and help students attain success.”

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