Each year many students choose their high school for the following year, without having visited the campus of their choice. High School selections are made based on the popularity of the football or basketball team, or the cheerleaders. With little to no thought given to their future interest or academic goals.
Selecting a high school to further your education is a serious matter, and should not be taken lightly. Looking through brochures, visiting websites or word of mouth testimonials are great ways to research a school. A personal visit to the school before you enroll maybe a better strategy for you.
Shadow Day is a day in the life of a student, that allows you to get a snapshot of the school you are planning to attend the following year. It allows you to experience the school firsthand, and see it through the eyes of a student already in attendance. During your visit, you will learn about the programs and activities, ask questions, explore the campus, and get a feel of the place. At the end of your visit you will know if the school is a good fit for you.
Upon arrival, you will be assigned a student mentor. You will become their shadow for that day and follow them everywhere they go. Their class schedule will become your schedule. This also includes lunch, special activities, a tour the facility, meeting the faculty and engaging with the upperclassmen. Since this activity is coordinated by the counselors as a part of the high school selection process, it is a part of your regular school day. You will not be marked absent at your home school. Shadow Day will not affect your good standing, nor prevent you from receiving your special certificates at the end of the year.
If you are transitioning into high school, try expanding your search and by all means, visit the school you wish to attend the upcoming school year. Explore all of your options before making a final decision. Speak to your counselors to see if a Shadow Day experience is available to you.
Take away the mystery and fear about transitioning into high school, and get excited about the new life that’s ahead of you. Include a Shadow Day experience as a part of you strategy as you make plans for your future. It is an amazing one day activity that can be enjoyed by all new students.
Do you know someone who has attended a shadow day at a high school or college? I would love to hear from you. Please leave your thoughts or comments in the box below.
Much Success!
Ruby Freeman
programs, activities and students. Plans to visit your visit early and see all of the exciting programs and activities it has to offer before the beginning of the new year.
To your success,
Ruby Freeman
Wishing you much success,
Ruby Freeman, Academic Coach / Founder of HelpingKidsLearn.org / Ruby@HelpingKidsLearn.org
