First year Spartans are given a taste of TJ and its culture.
by Vince Crespin
photo by Kevin Fleming
On August seventh, the fresh faces at Thomas Jefferson were given the unique opportunity to socialize and meet the staff at the TJ courtyard in order to get acquainted with their new home.
As summer draws to a close, the purpose of the barbecue is for new students to get re-acquainted with old friends, as well as make new ones, all while eating and having a good time. Any student knows that switching schools – or entering a new one – especially high school, can be nerve-wracking, scary and intimidating, fun and exciting, or just plain frustrating. In order to get the students to loosen up and ease some of that angst, what better way to do so than by providing free food and a fun social experience?
The majority of those who attended are from the incoming class of 2012, and have chosen TJ as their new environment for the next four years. Others are transfers from other schools (some DPS, some outside the district) and are just looking for a fresh start. “We are very excited to meet new friends and teachers. The freshman BBQ was very helpful with meeting new people and we had good food. I had a lot of fun. I’ll be looking forward to the school year,” said Jacki Ruzycki, one of the 390 incoming freshmen.
Others in attendance were the school’s different athletic programs and clubs, which were trying to recruit new kids into their programs. Assistant Football Coach and Business Teacher Matt Nicolo said, “It’s important for freshmen to get involved in athletics because it teaches them discipline that they will need for their academic career, and not only that, it gives them a chance to meet new people.”
Many administrators were present as well, to give kids a chance to see them, and know who the friendly faces are who walk the hallways between classes. Sandra Just, Principal at TJ, now in her fourth year, said, “The barbecue is a great way to get acquainted with parents and students in an informal way. I always look forward to this first big event of the year.”
The next big event on the school calendar is the annual Jamaican Jam (hosted by the Student Council), which is an informal dance that the students are given the option to attend. The tradition is that a senior “adopts” a freshman and guides and helps the new student throughout the year. Once seniors select a freshman to adopt, they pay for both Jamaican Jam tickets, and they attend the dance together in order to loosen up for the new school year. At the dance there is a volleyball tournament and a DJ playing music.
For Additional information about Jamaican Jam or other school activities, contact Vince Crespin at vcrespin@tjjournal.com .
