Welcome Rangers

When you were a student, did you ever transfer to a new school?  Or maybe you remember a new student arriving at your school?  Even if our memories aren't vivid from our school days, we all know the feeling of uncertainty that comes with a new experience (like the last time you started a new job).  When new students and their families join the Horace Mann Community, we have a routine designed to help everyone feel comfortable, right from the start.

After families enroll at central office, we set up a tourl with me for the student and family members.  This allows us time for questions so we can get to know each other a little bit, and lets me show off our beautiful building (the murals PTA painted in the library are always a big hit)!

During this visit, I share that the student will have one or more "Welcome Rangers" assigned.  Welcome Rangers are kids in the same class who were recommended to be ambassadors based on their good communication skills and citizenship at Horace Mann.  The Welcome Rangers wear buttons designed by our own Mrs. Manthey and have a checklist to guide them through helping the new student learn about the "wheres and hows" of our school.  This process also helps the students get to know each other to break the ice.

Lastly, parents receive our Family Handbook, an explanation about our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and various flyers about how to get involved or what is going on at school.  If needed, they meet with our health aide to explain medical needs.  The opportunity to do so always makes everyone feel more secure.

On the first day, the teacher meets the student and family in the office about 15 minutes before other children come in.  They go to the classroom and find the child's locker and desk.  New parents and kids like this process, as they have time to check out the space before meeting new friends.

Many thanks to Mrs. Frank, intervention specialist, for facilitating the annual training for our Welcome Rangers and to our whole office team (Mrs. Rochford, secretary; Mrs. Egut, health aide, and Mrs. Schwind, family resource coordinator) for collaborating in this process.  We are proud Rangers and always love to bring new members into the Horace Mann family 💛💜💛💜