September 1, 2017 at 3:52 p.m.
Class of 2021 introduced to high school
New student orientation eases transition
Class of 2021 introduced to high school
New student orientation was held Thursday, the day before the first day of school, and a large number of incoming freshmen were in attendance.
They toured the building, received their Chromebooks and locker keys and even a chance to have some fun with some Olympic-style games.
"This is a pretty good turnout," said RHS principal David Ditzler, looking over the crowd in the auditorium Thursday morning. "We have incoming (students) on the roster."
Ditzler said while the attendance at orientation is not mandatory for new students, it is "very, very encouraged."
"A lot of good information is given out," he said. "But a few of our families are still finishing up their summer vacations."
The day started with the new students filing into the auditorium, where they were greeted by orientation leaders who formed two tunnels for them to walk through. The orientation leaders are members of the student council and other upperclassmen who volunteer to help show the incoming students the ropes at the high school.
Once seated, the students were introduced to the student council officers, RHS administration and office staff, teachers, district superintendent Kelli Jacobi and then Ditzler.
Before breaking into smaller groups to find their homerooms, Ditzler spoke to the group.
"As the principal of Rhinelander High School, it is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the next four years of your life," he said. "It is a large responsibility for us to welcome you today. Your parents, in a sense, hand you over to us, and we are ready, we are prepared to take care of you."
He said the mission at RHS is to ensure "high levels of learning each and every day for each one of you." He then referenced the teaching staff that had jjust been introduced.
"You just got introduced to, I believe, the most amazing set of teachers and other staff members in any school anywhere in the state of Wisconsin," Ditzler said. "You guys are very fortunate people because of that. These people are going to come every day prepared to give you their very best. But education is not just about you coming and receiving, it's you coming and engaging with us in this process."
He said those students coming from James Williams Middle School benefited from the launch of a career planning process and they can expect to see that continue during their student careers at RHS.
"We use a program called career cruising to help you learn about yourself, you learn about what is important, what are my interests leading me to do? Starting tomorrow, and maybe for the first time in your life, starting tomorrow, everything matters," Ditzler said.
He then pointed to a senior among the orientation leaders.
"She learned that being diligent during ninth grade means that 10th grade is that much better. Being diligent during 10th grade means that 11th grade is that much better," Ditzler said. "If you think of it as a house, you are building the foundation this year."
He said the "endgame" is to graduate from RHS and be ready for what is next in life.
For some of the new students, that means some form of college education. For others, it will mean taking a couple of classes at a technical college to get a certificate in a trade.
"I don't know, it's not up to me to decide what you should do," he said. "It is up to you to say 'what do I love doing, what do I have the dream to do?' OK, let's do what is necessary and appropriate to get there. That is what high school is all about. Give us the chance to engage with you by coming every day."
He then repeated the district's mantra - be here, be safe, be responsible and be respectful.
"Being a respectful person is huge," Ditzler said. "You have to have respect for yourself, which means I'm going to work hard. Why? Because it is important to me. Why? Because I have a future, and if I fiddle fart my future away starting now, I'm not going to get anywhere. So I have to have respect for myself now and have respect for my fellow students."
He concluded his remarks by reminding the group that being a high school student is about more than what they learn in the classroom.
He then encouraged them to participate in the extracurricular activities as either a spectator or participant.
"It's not like a movie theater where you look at the screen and say this is great, and then you leave," he said. "No, sometimes it's a wrestling match, sometimes it's football or basketball, FBLA, DECA, it's the whole kit and caboodle."
In addition to the tours and games, the students also participated in a scavenger hunt and signed up for clubs.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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