With backpack protectively cradled in her lap, Claudia Coprio sat in the front area of Stamford's Westhill High School auditorium, all the better to hear and see the presentation. Thursday was Claudia's first day as a high school student, and the 13-year-old was positioned to take in every comment, every bit of information, every word of advice.
Claudia said her focus for the year is on overall growth. "Definitely learning more, because I know high school is a great experience," she said.
There's one subject in particular, though, that she's looking forward to. "For me, drama class," she said.
Thursday morning, Claudia and other Westhill freshmen attended an assembly intended to make the transition to high school a little easier. Freshmen orientation was Wednesday, but that focused more on logistics, such as how to get around campus and find classrooms.
"We were navigating through the building and we got associated with all the teachers and all the floors of the building," said Sabrina Prabhu, 14.
Thursday, the students got more of a nuts-and-bolts overview of basic services and requirements. Regarding the latter, they learned, for example, that eight class absences result in failure of that class, and that there's absolutely no on-campus smoking, distracting clothing or personal electronics -- texting has to wait until after school.
Students also learned that every teacher and staff member exists for their benefit, and will help them overcome challenges.
"Persevere. Continue, continue, continue," urged Assistant Principal Ray Manka. "You get knocked down, you get back up."
Manka, other Westhill staff members and junior Carly Joseph Pierre spoke to the students.
The assembly set the tone for high school as "a real challenge," said Sabrina, adding, "I liked it because it was really helpful, and because I like to work hard."
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