Jumping into high school can be difficult for kids, regardless of their confidence or spirit. Making new friends, exploring the school, and creating good habits are some of the necessary foundations for starting off freshmen year right. This is why Palisade implements a freshman mentoring program, Development of Great Students (D.O.G.S.) to inspire underclassmen, prepare them for their upcoming experiences, and encourage participation in school activities like homecoming week.
Every Tuesday during the first half of lunch, D.O.G.S. mentors, juniors and seniors, go into their assigned academic mentor classroom. During class time, the D.O.G.S. present a beneficial lesson featuring a Word of the Week and upcoming events.
‘Balance’ was the weekly word to introduce freshmen to a balanced approach to life, work, and healthy living, requiring a solid foundation that strives to learn more and do better. A way to practice a balanced lifestyle is to determine your priorities. In order to implement this strategy, each student was supplied with construction paper and colored pencils to create a to-do list. D.O.G.S. encouraged the underclassmen to share their most important concerns. The lists consisted of schoolwork, goals in sports, and chores.
Freshmen Leela Sanchez and Alexandrea Gunn share their experiences with the D.O.G.S. mentors. Sanchez is in Ms. Johnson’s class with D.O.G.S. Senior Brittany Villa Valenzuela and Junior Maya McCall. “It’s pretty useful, I know a lot more about the homecoming schedule. They lay everything out so we can understand it more,” Sanchez expresses. Gunn is in Mr. Wyant’s AM class led by Senior Harper King and Junior Eli Jordan. Gunn adds, “They really help and support you. The D.O.G.S. give schoolwide updates, that’s super awesome.”
Freshmen Rocco DeWitt and Deigen Salvati are in Mr. Mohr’s class. DeWitt says, “They get to the point quickly.” D.O.G.S. Junior Dylan McNally, Junior Ian Shiao, Senior Adriana Ruiz encourage the freshmen to demonstrate their bulldog pride. Salvati admits, “Dylan explains things really well and Ian is super nice.” With homecoming events sneaking up, the D.O.G.S note each daily detail from hall decorating to the parade. Salvati adds, “It’s super fun, it definitely motivates us.”
At Palisade High School, our bulldogs unite to better each other and our school culture. Thanks to the D.O.G.S, the freshmen mentoring program, underclassmen are prepared to start their high school career’s off right. Being a mentor is a great way to reflect on how you go about academics and time management. It also allows for different grade connections. If you’re interested in joining D.O.G.S. as a sophomore or next year, contact the advisor, Ms. Seremak.
