On March 12, Knolls hosted a workshop day designed to support freshmen academic and social growth. Prior to the workshop date, freshmen students were asked to complete a google form listing all choices for workshops that MK would provided. The choices corresponded with breakout sessions for the workshop.  “Digital Toolkit” was first to be listed and the session explored how to use technology in a positive, safe, and responsible way. “Calm Over Chaos” was the second to be listed, and focused on making known the stress of students’ lives and offering ways to cope and find a balance between school, activities, and personal life. “Study Smarter, Not Harder” was the next to be featured, and focused on studying techniques, organizational tools, and setting goals to help advance in classes. Last but not least, “Know What Your School’s Got For You” provided students with the knowledge of different clubs, sports, activities, counseling resources, and an assortment of classes to get involved in to make the most of the high school years. 

Freshman Chris Iantosca who attended the “Study Smarter, Not Harder” workshop, was asked what he learned from it.  He explained, “Focus on what you have to do… one thing I took away from it was to do your homework the night of.” Noah Arrojo, who also attended this seminar added, “Two seniors [Liam Potts and Lex Montanez] were presenting how to organize your binders and backpacks. At the end of the workshop, they told us to write on a piece of paper what we would commit to.”

“Calm Over Chaos” attendee Allison Romero shared that at this workshop, “Two seniors were talking about how to calm yourself down when you’re stressed,” she continued,  “they said think of music in your head and/or look at five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.”

Freshman Eamon Hannigan took part in the “Know What Your School’s Got For You” session and was asked what he learned. “They first explained all the clubs and things you can do after school. Then they explained study habits and how to keep track of your work.” As a participant of this workshop myself, I found that the advice on what colleges are looking for and what makes you a good candidate for university to be really helpful. Participant Zitlalee Grande shared, “I learned that aspen is a very important tool and I also learned how to organize my emails/folders.”

Teachers seem to have a similar outlook on the benefits, “It was a wonderful experience to connect freshmen with upperclassmen to gain skills that will help them throughout their high school years. I absolutely loved their energy and the camaraderie” states “Calm Over Chaos” advisor Mrs. Lis. It’s safe to say that the student participants, as well as teachers, found them helpful, and retained the information they were taught. Clearly, these workshops were very useful among freshmen students and provided them with advice they will carry throughout their future endeavors!