West Essex Students Enjoy Orientation

New West Essex Middle School seventh graders toured the school and got the chance to find their classrooms and lockers at a special orientation on August 29. On the same day, West Essex High School freshmen attended an orientation at the high school where they listened to presentations from administrators, toured the school and attended an activities fair. High School Principal Gary Suda, Assistant Principals Juliann Hoebee and Caesar Diliberto, Director of Guidance Carole Clarke and other guidance counselors spoke to students about what to expect as students at West Essex High School. Students learned about everything from the school cell phone policy to lunch. The freshman also received their schedules and found their lockers. Students walked around and spoke to upperclassmen about different clubs and activities offered at the school. Ms. Hoebee encouraged all students to participate in the many activities West Essex has to offer. Students also enjoyed ice cream. Students were also discouraged from sharing lockers and encouraged to "manage their time wisely." At the Middle School, seventh graders purchased West Essex clothing, decorated their lockers and ran into old and new friends at the orientation. The day was perfect for helping new students get adjusted to the middle school. Alexa Pontoriero, a seventh grader from Fairfield, shopped for West Essex clothing with her mom in the Middle School cafeteria and selected a red shirt. " "I am exciting about meeting new people," she said, smiling. Many Eighth Grade Field Hockey players and Student Council members helped the new students find and open lockers and find their homerooms and classrooms. "All of the student helpers are so nice," said father Mark Castellano as he and son Domenick walked through the Middle School. "The students offer to help before we can even ask. Domenick said he is very excited to start school at West Essex on September 9. "I am very excited to start school," he said. "I see so many kids I know from football." In one hallway, 8-year-old Julianna Antunes and friend eighth grader Meghan Sauchelli taped pictures to the locker of Teresa Antunes, Julianna's big sister, to help her get ready for the big day. West Essex Middle School Assistant Principal Lisa Tamburri said the orientation went very well and thanked all of the eighth grade volunteers for helping the new students at the orientation. Mrs. Tamburri and Middle School Principal David Montgomery said they are excited for a wonderful school year.