FOCUS is usually a time when students can work on homework, study with friends, or take a break from the school day. It is a concept most freshmen are unfamiliar with and excited about when they begin their first year of high school. But this year, FOCUS blocks for Freshman look a bit different.
For the first quarter, freshman FOCUS will include mandatory informational sessions for the newest additions to the school community. Once a week, during their B2 FOCUS block, freshman classes gather in the cafeteria to learn from the administration about the rules, manners, and values we adhere to here at OLLA.
“The Freshman First Look Program is intended to help learn what the expectations are when transitioning to high school,” Dean of Enrollment and Engagement, Olga Martinez, said.
Each week, the class of 2028 listens to a member of the administration speak and present on a different topic relevant and integral to their high school experience and beyond. Last week, Sister Carmen Fernandez hosted a presentation on integrity and character development, while Martinez’s presentation focused on manners and etiquette.
“The workshop topics were developed based on needs that we have observed as students transition to our school,” Martinez said. “Each presenter is responsible for their own presentation, and we try to make it as relevant and engaging as we can.”
Freshmen can expect future sessions on note-taking and time management, how to present yourself on social media, and other topics dedicated to the development of “the whole person”, as Martinez put it.
This past FOCUS, Martinez presented on how to conduct yourself and communicate with teachers and peers within the walls of our school. She called on girls to practice email replies, instruct them on how to interact with teachers, and adhere to deadlines. She rewarded girls that participated with small gift bags. Martinez covered every detail, down to how to knock on doors respectfully.
The freshman, for their part, seemed engaged in the interactive presentation. Most are grateful for the workshops, and see the value in the lessons administration is concerned with teaching them.
“I thought this session was really helpful,” freshman Andrea Alvarado-Toyos said, “I’m looking forward to the time management workshop, because I feel like that might be beneficial for my schedule.”
The catalyst for this particular program was the administration’s experience last year in allowing more free reign for students during FOCUS. Since students were allowed to switch between different classes, they learned that many students struggled with that responsibility and freedom.
“Before last year, there was more structure during FOCUS and we allowed the girls to have more flexibility in what they can do,” Martinez said. “In doing that, we realized that we might need to teach them to prepare for that kind of freedom and address some of our concerns.”
Martinez specified that, while the workshops take place during FOCUS, they are not specific to FOCUS, or to managing behavior in that time. And while the program itself is a temporary addition to freshmen’s schedules, it’s a permanent impact on their high school experience and their growth long after graduation.
