Aliso Niguel High School is always proud to welcome new wolverines onto campus through various activities and presentations that are open to all students. The 8th grade parent presentation, held in the gym on Monday, Feb. 5, at 5:45 p.m., allowed parents and their future high schoolers to learn in detail about the high school experience, four-year plan, college requirements, and more details about how to register for future classes.
The class of 2028 was greeted warmly by faculty from the guidance office and the college and career center. Parents and students were showcased multiple slideshows on a wide array of topics, followed by a few words from guidance counselors and Mrs. Nguyen, the college and career counselor.
The presentations’ objectives included creating a path to success for future 9th graders by introducing students to campus support systems, reviewing high school versus college requirements, providing keys to Aliso Niguel’s success, establishing caution against roadblocks to success and promoting students to get support when needed.
Mrs. McClenaghan, the career guidance specialist, focused on career exploration, post-secondary options, and choosing a major. She along with Mrs. Nguyen explored topics such as identifying personal skills, interests, values, and abilities, understanding how that can relate to career choices and knowing resources available for further exploration.
Asal Flodius (12), a student at Aliso Niguel states, “The 8th grade presentation is a great way for future high schoolers to get a feel for the campus and the classes they will be taking and ask any questions about the upcoming school year. I went to the 8th grade presentation when I was about to enter high school and it was helpful for me to realize that high school isn’t as scary as it might sound and now that I’m a senior, I’m thankful that I had that knowledge with me while stepping into a new chapter of my life.”
Mrs. Nguyen dove into topics concerning college and although for many parents and students it can sound too far into the future and daunting, she reassured listeners that if done over some time, stress can be minimized and students can come to the best decision with their families.
Mrs. Nguyen states, “Love of learning is a factor that is very important in school and it is something that we want to emphasize for students who are coming into their first year of high school. We want students to demonstrate that they are pushing themselves above and beyond, while also pursuing something that they are passionate about. Above all else, parents and students become educated about the high school and college system of evaluation and in doing so, show their capabilities both academically and extracurricularly.”
Attendees were also interactively introduced to campus school rules and encouraged to ask questions or stay after the presentation to greet the Aliso Niguel staff and clarify any topics that were talked about.
Aliso Niguel is hopeful for the class of 2028 and encourages parents and students to attend presentations to grasp a better idea of the journey they have ahead, with the proper tools and resources to become a successful wolverine. The 8th grade presentation allowed interested parents to learn more about the school’s pillars for achievement.
