This fall, SEED students arrived back on campus full of the possibilities of a new school year and ready to take on new challenges, expand their horizons, and have fun. Students have moved into their dorms and started classes, tried out for sports, and signed up for activities. They are reconnecting with their SEED school communities, including teachers, coaches, counselors, and classmates. Each SEED school celebrated move-in day in a unique way, but the excitement of the students and staff was the same across the Network.
At The SEED School of Maryland’s (SEED MD) move-in day, families lined up in their cars to drop students off. Parents and siblings grabbed last hugs, and students were welcomed in the dorms by student life counselors ready to help them settle in. Sixth grader Nayshalis was excited as she arrived on SEED MD’s campus for her first year. Even though she was feeling a little nervous, she said “I’m looking forward to meeting new people.”
Instead of the traditional move-in day block party of years past, The SEED School of Miami (SEED Miami) students arrived on campus in smaller groups over four nights. They were familiar with their campus from June orientation community meetings, which helped them get acclimated to the new year. One of the many back-to-school activities was Freshman Bridge, a series of workshops that helps ninth graders get into the high school mindset. They learned about time management, executive functioning skills, and college readiness topics, and they planned out what they want their transcripts to say in the future.
At SEED DC, back-to-school preparation started in June, where each incoming class had an outdoor orientation, complete with SEED DC swag, balloons, and a scavenger hunt. When students came back to campus in August for move-in, they were met with the same uplifting energy. A welcome committee greeted them outside, and student life counselors had playlists prepared for each of their floors. Mr. Rooks, director of student life at SEED DC, is excited to see what his students will achieve this year with the guidance of the resilient and perseverant SEED DC faculty. “We’re looking forward to helping students identify who they are and change their trajectory as owners of their own learning. We’re here to facilitate that.”
Like many things these days, move-in day looked a little different this year, but the hopeful energy of the start of a new school year was the same as always. The challenges of the last year and a half haven’t dampened the drive and curiosity of our students. They are motivated and engaged, and SEED faculty are thrilled to have students back in the classroom and on campus to help them develop their talents and skills.