#SchoolPR Insights Blog

Every school year brings change. For some students, that change involves a little more than moving up to the next grade level. New students experience a lot of change—new teachers, new facilities, new rules, new friends, new everything.

Newcomers can’t adapt to these changes on their own. They need guidance from their peers and key members of your team. Guidance can come in the form of orientation, buddy systems, welcome packets or peer mentorship programs. Anticipate new students’ needs, then put the supports in place.

Invite new students to a welcome orientation

A well-planned orientation prior to the school year can set up new students for a successful journey in their new learning environment. Think of it as rolling out the welcome mat for the newest members of your community!

At orientation, give new students and families a tour of the campus. This isn’t about showing off the facilities. Rather, it’s about helping students feel at home in your school. Be sure to swing by key locations like the library, cafeteria, gymnasium, counselors’ office and so on.

In addition to giving a tour, introduce the faces of your school team. Arrange meet-and-greets with teachers, counselors, club organizers, athletic directors and other key staff members. This personal touch can go a long way in making students feel supported from day one.

Don’t forget to sprinkle in some fun! Yard games and team-building exercises can help students forge connections with their peers and ease those first-day jitters.

Pair students with a “buddy” for the first week

Imagine this: you’re a new student walking into school for the first time. You don’t know where homeroom is or where to pick up your textbooks. In moments like these, it can be really helpful to have a buddy!

Pair new students with existing ones who know the ins and outs of school life. These “buddies” can offer practical tips, from navigating the cafeteria rush to finding the best study spots.

The buddy system isn’t just about logistics. Existing students can also provide emotional support by lending a sympathetic ear and helpful advice to new students. A reassuring presence can help them get through those nerve-wracking first days!

To make the buddy system work, choose existing students wisely. Look for students with leadership qualities and a knack for making others feel welcome. Then, after describing their role in detail, provide a brief course in peer mentoring.

The goal isn’t necessarily to create lifelong friendships between new students and their “buddies” (though that’s a bonus!). It’s about giving new students a solid foundation for their school journey.

Create (and promote) a peer mentorship program

While buddy systems offer short-term support, peer mentorship programs provide ongoing guidance throughout the school year. These programs create a bridge between experienced students and newcomers, fostering a sense of community and support.

Peer mentors can offer anything from study strategies to tips on navigating social circles. Aside from showing new students around the school, peer mentors are role models who embody the values and spirit of your school, which can help new students feel like part of the family.

To set up a successful program, start by recruiting enthusiastic, responsible upperclassmen. Train them on active listening, problem-solving and setting boundaries. Peer mentors should check in with staff supervisors to make sure the program is going well.

Encourage mentors and mentees to meet regularly, whether for study sessions, school events or just to chat. These connections can grow into friendships that enrich the school experience for both students.

Encourage teachers to play ice-breaker games

Walking into a classroom for the first time can be intimidating, especially for new students who don’t know anyone in their classes. Ease anxiety by kicking off the school year with some fun ice-breakers! These activities help new students relax and start forming connections with their classmates.

Consider classics like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Human Bingo.” These games encourage students to share bits of their personalities and discover common interests. For a more academic twist, try subject-specific ice-breakers that introduce course content in an engaging way.

Remember, the key is to keep these activities inclusive and low-pressure. Not everyone is comfortable in the spotlight, so offer options that cater to different personality types.

Host a fair for clubs and extracurriculars

Organize a back-to-school fair where clubs can showcase their activities and recruit new students. Let the enthusiasm of current members shine through by encouraging interactive demonstrations. This is a great way for new students to get a taste of the diverse interests represented in your school community!

Make sure you schedule the fair early in the year when students are eager to explore and get involved in extracurriculars. Consider extending it over lunch periods or hosting it after school to maximize attendance.

Encourage new students to sign up for at least one club or activity. This fair could be the key to new students finding their niche!

Hand out welcome packets to new students

Put yourself in a new student’s shoes. What information would you need? Start with the basics: a school map, bell schedules, important contact numbers, maybe even a homework planner. Then, add a dash of school spirit with brochures about traditions and upcoming pep rallies.

Don’t forget the practical stuff! Include information that students need year-round, such as dress code guidelines and how to put funds into their lunch account. An FAQ pamphlet can address common questions before they arise.

Complete the packet by adding a personal touch. A welcome letter from the principal or student body president can make newcomers feel valued and part of the community.

Encourage check-ins with teachers and counselors

Regular check-ins with teachers and counselors can be a game-changer for new students. These meetings create a safety net as new students navigate unfamiliar waters.

Encourage teachers to schedule brief, informal chats with new students during the first few weeks. These conversations can help identify academic struggles early on and let students ask questions they might be hesitant to raise in class.

School counselors play a crucial role, too. They should set up an initial meeting for all new students, then follow up with periodic check-ins. These sessions can address everything from course selection to social adjustment and stress management.

Consider setting up a collaborative digital space to track these interactions. A shared document or quick email update can help staff coordinate their efforts and make sure no student falls through the cracks.

The purpose of these check-ins is to create multiple touchpoints where students can seek support. Newcomers are not alone; they are surrounded by staff who want to watch them succeed.

New students thrive because of you!

Success doesn’t start with the student. It actually starts with the teachers, counselors and administrators who can anticipate newcomers’ needs and address them before the school year begins. A student’s success depends on how much support they receive in the beginning.

Coming to a new school is scary; show students your team is here to guide them.