Ready…Set…7th Grade!
On August 8, the Punxsutawney Area High School held its annual Transition Day event to welcome incoming 7th graders to their building.
Each year, the Punxsutawney Area High School’s Ambassador Program coordinates this orientation event that offers tours, activities, and support for students that are transitioning to the high school.
The ambassador program, led by faculty members Ms. Shellee Miller and Ms. Erin Knepper is in its third year of operation and boasts nearly 30 student leaders, many of whom are 8th graders who participated in Transition Day last year and are looking to pay it forward.
Students began the day with a welcome from head principal, Mr. Manuel Barbazzeni and were greeted by assistant principals Dr. Sheena Smelko and Mr. Kyle Gordon, as well as over a dozen teachers and staff.
Throughout the day, students received tours of the building in groups of four to five, led by two student ambassadors, allowing for quality discussion and connections. They also received their iPads and learned their schedule by completing a graphic organizer.
“This is one of my favorite events throughout the year. It marks the beginning of a new school year, and it exemplifies what we are about at Punxsy - empowering student leaders. While this event has a lot of amazing support from our faculty and staff, it is really the students leading students; and that’s what we want,” commented Assistant Principal Kyle Gordon.
Beyond Transition Day, the PAHS Ambassadors are available to assist students all throughout the year in various capacities that support the adjustment and success of all students.
The Punxsutawney Area High School will be hosting a “Meet the Teacher Night” on August 19th from 3:30pm-6:30pm for students and families in grades 7-12 to pick up their schedules and meet their teachers.
The first student day for Punxsutawney Area School District is Wednesday August 21st.
The 2024-2025 Student Ambassador Team with the PAHS Phantastic Phil Statue.