Templeton Middle School (TMS) recently welcomed its newest students with a special New Student Welcome event and pancake breakfast designed to help students feel connected and part of their new school community. The inaugural event was held September 25 at school.
“Starting at a new school can be exciting but it can also feel overwhelming,” explains Templeton Middle School Counselor Beth Buschmann. “The welcome event provided an intentional opportunity for new students to meet others and begin building friendships in a fun and comfortable environment,” she adds.
Luka Hess is an eighth grader brand new to TMS this school year. “Events like this are important because it gives people a chance to become friends with others or just find people who have similar interests,” shares Hess. “I hope the breakfast helped new students realize that even though someone doesn’t look like they would like you, you might have more in common than you think,” he adds.
Members of the Peer Helpers group helped to run the event. TMS Peer Helpers engage in different activities throughout the school year to help create an environment where all students feel supported and celebrated.
“This is probably my favorite thing that we have done in Peer Helpers so far,” shares Templeton Middle School Eighth Grader Seeley Preston. “This breakfast is the type of thing I envisioned doing when I joined Peer Helpers,” Preston adds. “These events are very important in a school environment because they help people come together and let everyone know that they belong.”
The event began with ice breaking activities. Then teachers, student services staff members and School Resource Officer Alex Arteaga worked the griddle. “This filled the space with laughter, good conversation and the smell of fresh pancakes,” shares Buschmann.
Templeton Middle School Eighth Grader Maddy Tocco says students bonded over what kind of toppings they liked on their pancakes. “Once we talked about that, I could tell that my group felt closer and more comfortable talking. That is exactly what we want to happen at TMS. We want everyone to have a sense of belonging and have someone, or multiple people, they can trust and rely on,” said Tocco.
Templeton Middle School Eighth Grade Hailee Tyars says the event was important because it built connections. “I hope the new students enjoyed the laughter they experienced today and remember that the little things can make someone’s day,” Tyars explains.
Keviah Coleman-Pittman is a new student who just began eighth grade at TMS and enjoyed seeing new faces and learning new names at the event. “All new students should be appreciated in different ways and the ice breakers were a good way to hear about different people’s perspectives,” she shares.
“This event was important because kids who are feeling alone and scared about being in a new school were welcomed and know where they can go for help,” shares Templeton Middle School Eighth Grader Ashwika Das. “It makes me feel good to know that others are now less anxious about being new. They know that there is support for them and that they can always rely on some people,” Das shares.
“Seeing students build new connections and enjoy themselves was a great reminder that a small gesture can make a big impact on their school experience,” Buschmann shares.