Community High School recently held a series of training sessions to prepare high school students for their upcoming middle school outreach initiative. Led by Ryan Sylvester and the Forum Council, these meetings focused on equipping students with the necessary tools and information to effectively present CHS to eighth graders. The goal is to give middle school students a clear understanding of what CHS has to offer and encourage them to apply by sharing personal experiences and highlighting the unique opportunities at the school.
As part of the initiative, CHS students are to visit local middle schools to present during advisory periods. The focus was not only on sharing academic opportunities but also on building genuine connections with younger students, making them feel more comfortable applying to a school that may seem unfamiliar.
Jacqueline Boynton, a member of the Forum Council, explained the thought process behind the effort.
“Ryan and some counselors put together the slideshow, and the goal is to show middle schoolers the best parts of Community,” Boynton said. “For me, the most appealing aspects are the creativity and close relationships with teachers. The teachers really care, and I don’t think I would have thrived at any other school.”
Boynton also highlighted the many opportunities at CHS, such as the ability to create your own class, which she described as “incredible.”
Although the outreach is not a new concept, the involvement of Forum Council members makes it more interactive and relatable.
“When I was a freshman, it was just the counselors who went to the middle schools,” Boynton said. “But now Forum Council is involved, and it’s made the presentations much more engaging.”
She is excited to connect with middle schoolers and answer their questions about CHS.
Thomas Radesky, another Forum Council member, emphasized the importance of spreading the word about Community, especially with more school options and declining enrollment numbers.
“We need to show what makes Community special,” Radesky said. “For me, the people and the teachers make it stand out. It’s a much more relaxed, supportive vibe than schools like Pioneer or Huron.”
He also noted how the block schedule at CHS helps him stay organized and prepares him for college in the future.
The outreach is also about breaking misconceptions.
“Community isn’t just an alternative school with lower academic standards, as some people may think,” Clara Freeth, co-president of the Forum Council, said. “We want to show middle schoolers that Community offers a rigorous education, and our testing scores are just as strong as any other school in the district.”
Freeth emphasized the importance of high schoolers being involved in the outreach.
“We know what it’s like here, and it’s crucial for middle schoolers to hear from students who are actually in the school,” Freeth said. “We want them to understand that Community is not only unique but also a highly effective place to learn.”
Freeth also reflected on her own experience.
“When I was in eighth grade, I didn’t know about Community until a friend told me she was applying,” Freeth said. “I think this outreach will help other kids know that it’s an option for them. Even if you’re unsure about Community, apply! You can always decide later if it’s not for you, but at least you’ll have the chance to experience something different.”
The Forum Council’s outreach efforts are designed to give middle schoolers a genuine, firsthand look at what Community High School has to offer. Through authentic, personal connections, they hope to inspire future students to apply and join the diverse, supportive community at CHS.
