New Students Find Easy Transition at Liberty
Coming to a new school can be exciting but also daunting. At Liberty Christian School, teachers and returning students make the experience for new students a positive one.
Peer Advocates for Liberty (PAL) began more than five years ago with the goal of making new students feel welcomed and encouraged.
“We want to ensure our new students feel right at home and a part of our Liberty family,” said Debi Habern, dean of student life. “We want to help our new students achieve success in making friends and adapting to a new school.”
Based on like interests, existing students are paired with new students in the PAL program. The PAL assists new students in the first days of school in finding their classes, helping them in the cafeteria and sitting with them at lunch, and answering any questions they might have.
Junior Alexandra Stewart, a PAL this year, said, “The new student I was paired with has already become one of my best friends. All of my friends love her, and she’s even coming to the football game with us.”
Each year the PAL program begins before school starts, as current students in the PAL program come together to learn the guidelines of the program.
“Their smiling face and servant’s heart are so valuable in helping new students transition to a new school,” Habern said.
Junior Logan McDivitt, another PAL this year, said, “My family has moved several times, so I know what it feels like to be a new student. I am thankful I had the opportunity to welcome new students and introduce them to their new classmates.”
On the first day of school, PALs arrive early to meet the new students and obtain a copy of the new students’ schedule. Each class period, PALs walk with the new students to each of their classes, helping them find their way around and introducing them to new friends.
Middle School Academic Advisor Norm Parker said it is so important, even on the first day, for new students to get acclimated, find their classes, and make new friends.
Habern spends time in prayer about every aspect of the first day of school, and she asks the PALs to do the same, that God would show them ways to make the new students feel at ease in their new environment.
Habern has an open door policy and encourages students to come by anytime to chat, get a piece of candy, or ask a question.
She knows, however, that it is the students who ultimately provide the example and befriend the new students, which is why the PAL program has been so successful, and how community is created and lasting friendships are made at Liberty Christian.