Freshman Seminar

Freshmen seminar is a course designed to promote a successful transition between middle school and high school.  Taught by Fairview High School teachers, the course provides students with opportunities for academic enrichment and assistance, as well as the chance to improve organizational and communication skill.  Since every freshman is in a seminar class, and the classes are smaller, it gives us the perfect venue for sharing information, touching base with goals and grades, and participating in common school activities.   In addition, part of the course is dedicated future planning and course selection.

Research has shown that students feel the way their teachers treat them as people has the greatest influence on their attachment to the school and their belief in their own academic future (McLaughlin). The relationships developed in freshman seminar help to cultivate a school where teachers know students as learners and individuals, creating an environment that fosters high student achievement.

Freshman seminar goals   

• Provide opportunities for new 9th graders to connect to an adult (the Freshman Seminar leader) to peer mentors (LINK Leaders) and to the school.
  
• Support the habit of studying and accessing the supports Fairview offers.
  
• Teach the concrete behaviors needed to be successful learners:
  
• Attending regularly
• Doing homework
• Learning how to study
•  Using time well
• Understanding one's own needs and style as a learner
• Knowing how the credit system works
• Knowing how to access support and solve problems within the school
  
• Teach crucial social skills for navigating the choppy waters of high school. This means dealing with peer pressure around sexual contact and substance use.
  
• Encourage participation in school clubs and activities.
  
• Promote ethical behavior and effective problem solving.
  
• Introduce equity issues and teach how to be an appropriate member of a diverse community.
  
• Teach effective communication skills for use with adults and peers.

All incoming 9th graders are expected to attend all Freshman Seminar classes and will receive credit for doing so.

Freshman Seminar could include, but not limited to, the following topics:

•  Getting to know the school
• Infinite Campus / School & Teacher Web-sites
• Academic Success / Study Skills
• Clubs, sports and activities at Fairview High School
• Resources available to students at Fairview High School
• Safety, alcohol and drugs
• Time and stress management
• Diversity
• Course selection 
•  Future planning 
•  Connections