Raider Navigators Help Wylie East Freshmen Find Their Way

The first days of high school can be exciting and a little overwhelming, as students adjust to a new environment. At Wylie East High School, freshmen are not expected to navigate that transition alone.

For the first seven class days of the school year, Wylie East freshmen participate in Freshman Seminar, a 30-minute daily orientation led by upperclassmen Raider Navigators.

“Freshman Seminar is a safe space for freshmen to feel connected and be able to ask questions about high school,” WEHS chemistry teacher Amy Tietjen said. “It is informative and helps ease the nerves of our freshmen students.”

Raider Navigators are student volunteers, juniors and seniors selected through an interview process, who serve as mentors, facilitators and a friendly face for students beginning their high school journey.

“I think the most important thing students should take away from Freshman Seminar is how to navigate the school and learn about the important people who can help them,” senior Raider Navigator Jimi Burrill said.

Raider Navigators join teachers in classrooms of approximately 29 freshmen to present lessons, lead conversations, answer questions, and provide assistance to help these new students feel connected to the Raider Nation community.

“The Raider Navigators serve as big brothers and big sisters to the ninth graders,” Wylie East Counselor Lezlie Mitchell said, “because they want to help the next generation at Raider Nation.”

Freshman Seminar provides ninth graders with essential information about the transition from junior high to high school. Students learn about graduation requirements, class rank, GPA, tardy policies, Power Hour, spirit days, dress code, and other important school and district expectations.

“These sessions give freshmen the foundation they need to not only survive their first year, but feel confident navigating the years ahead,” senior Raider Navigator Jacob Munoz said. “Truly, the freshmen learn so much and respond so well to the material that I know they will be more prepared for their following high school years.”

Freshman John Martin is in chemistry teacher Breegan Gholson’s Freshman Seminar class.

“I’ve learned about the Wylie ISD rules and regulations,” Martin said.

The Raider Navigators also explain differences between junior high and high school, including changes to grading procedures such as test retakes.

“I’ve learned a lot about the importance of the grading process,” freshman Aiden Miles said.

Gholson said the information presented during Freshman Seminar can be a lot for students to absorb at once, but she hopes freshmen leave knowing they have people around them who are ready to help.

“I hope that freshmen know that we are all in this with them,” Gholson said. “It is a lot of information at the beginning of the year to go through, but I hope that if they ever get overwhelmed or can't remember something, they know teachers are here to help.”

Students in Tietjen’s, Gholson’s, and Family & Consumer Science teacher Jill Hill’s Freshman Seminar classes are new to Wylie ISD, allowing the Raider Navigators to help students who are not only learning how to navigate high school, but also a new school community. In these experienced teachers’ classes, students learn more details and specifics about Wylie ISD that other students might already know.

“Not only do they not know anyone yet, but everything we do is new to them,” Hill said. “I love that they can meet other students who are in the same situation they are in, and they are not afraid to ask questions. My Raider Navigators have been excellent teachers and mentors to these freshmen.”

Freshman Seminar will return for three additional days after Christmas break. During that time, Raider Navigators will once again guide the freshmen, this time helping them prepare for their sophomore year and begin building their schedules.

“Hearing advice from a student who is just a little older can give freshmen a perspective that feels more relatable and meaningful than hearing it from another teacher,” senior Raider Navigator Ava Peter said. “I think our Raider Navigators are doing an incredible job preparing them and creating an environment where freshmen feel comfortable getting the answers and guidance they need.”

Through Freshman Seminar and the Raider Navigators, Wylie East is giving its newest Raiders more than a crash course in high school expectations. They are also gaining mentors, connections, and the confidence to know where to turn when they need help.

“Overall, Freshman Seminar ensures that freshmen have the foundational knowledge in order to start their roadmap to graduation,” senior Raider Navigator Sulaf Braso said. “It is so exciting seeing the freshmen understand how Wylie East thrives!”