Bossier High School has implemented a new way of introducing students to the school.
A group of students are taking part in Students 2 Students (S2S), a program through the Military Child Education Coalition that trains civilian and military-connected high school students to help their peers as they transition into a new school. They meet monthly to discuss fun ways to welcome incoming students to Bossier High and how to teach them the basics of being a Bearkat.
S2S members will serve as tour guides to new students and share everything from the school colors and pep rally rules to school traditions, including what happens if they ever step on the Bearkat seal. They will also help students learn about Bossier City and its culture – community organizations and events, where to eat great food and where to find the latest fashion trends.
Joanna Copes, junior and senior counselor, said the group’s efforts couldn’t come at a better time. There have been more than five new students enrolled at Bossier High in the past few weeks alone.
Each S2S member has their own ‘new kid’ experience at Bossier High, whether they were coming in as freshmen from Rusheon Middle School or moving into Bossier for the first time ever. Junior Kelly Florens vividly remembers getting lost on her first day of school.
“I was given a schedule and had to make my own way around,” Florens said. “I wish they had this kind of tour group set up because I sure got lost.”
Sophomore Lucil Zapata said he spent more time looking for his classes than being in class on his first day at Bossier High. He thinks S2S will be an effective program for both current and new students.
“Students will now spend less time wandering the halls,” Zapata said. “Instead of someone pointing them in a general direction, there will be someone to actually walk them around.”
S2S is a student led group, which Copes said
“These kids want to be here and want to help new students out,” Copes said. “This is a great way to make that connection and get new students involved at the very beginning.”
Sophomore Victoria Slaughter said this summer’s new student orientation will be a defining moment for the school, since Bossier High is the first to have an S2S group.
“This is what sets us apart from other schools in the parish,” Slaughter said. “We want to show the community what Bossier High has to make them want to send their kids here.”
