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MANVILLE: Opening doors for smoother school transitions

By Eileen Oldfield, Staff Writer
   It’s not easy being the new kids in a new school, but a program launched by members of the Manville Municipal Alliance and Manville Youth Services Commission may help Manville students make the transition.
   The two organizations are jointly sponsoring camps and open gym nights to help students adjust to Alexander Batcho Intermediate School or Manville High School, including an open gym night last Friday.
   ”It is part of the idea that we had to help ease the transition of students when they enter ABIS and the high school,” Stephanie Cornelson, a member of the Manville Municipal Alliance and Manville Youth Services Commission, said. “We also want to help provide a healthy, positive and safe alternative for students to interact in.”
   Easing the transition from school to school became key for both organizations as many members noted a need for more extracurricular activities around the town. The efforts began during the summer when the organizations hosted a day camp for ABIS students and extended the activities into the school year.
   ”We are hoping it gives kids a chance to interact with each other before the next school year starts,” Ms. Cornelson said. “We are hoping it will help ease some of the stress from peer pressure, bullying and tensions they have about entering a new school.”
   ”One of our main goals is to provide preventive programs,” she added. “We want to be able to offer options to kids of activities they can participate in.”
   The organizations worked with the Roosevelt School and ABIS Parent-Teacher Associations and high school staff to plan the gym nights with school staff and parents chaperoning the events Ms. Cornelson said. Activities offered include basketball, football, Pictionary, Twister and puzzles, though the organizations could introduce more activities at future nights.
   In addition, ABIS teachers Patrick Gorbatuk and George Putvinski open the school’s fitness room, allowing students to learn how to use the school’s weight equipment.
   ”The hardest thing about being new to a school, in my opinion, is making friends and fitting in,” Mr. Putvinski said. “Some kids are very shy and have insecurities that can prevent them from participating in a variety of activities.”
   ”Working out in a fitness center can give new students an excuse to meet and talk with other students, which can potentially develop into a friendship,” he added. “Asking another student for a spot on a lift or asking how to use a particular piece of equipment can be good conversation starters.”
   About 35 students attended the weight room demonstration, which had Mr. Gorbatuk and several high school wrestlers demonstrating common exercises. Of the 35 who attended the weight lifting demonstration, approximately 12 stayed to try the equipment, Mr. Gorbatuk said.
   ”The one positive that could come from this event would be that future student athletes had a chance to learn what the weight room is designed for,” Mr. Gorbatuk said. “Their first experience in the weight room was informational, serious and relevant. As a result, I can only hope that the night provided a solid foundation towards a bright career as a student athlete at Manville High School.”
   Even if students don’t pursue school athletics, learning to use the equipment correctly encourages them to stay physically active, Mr. Putvinski said.
   During the first open gym night, MHS’s freshman class invited the ABIS seventh- and eighth-graders to the high school gym. The Nov. 21 event had students asking for more, Ms. Cornelson said, and the municipal alliance and youth services commission hope to host more nights before summer break.
   ”I’m not sure how much effect this will have on the student’s workload when they enter their new school,” Ms. Cornelson said. “My hope is that it will alleviate some of the stress that is associated with peer pressure and tensions with a new school and new people. Maybe this will give them more of a chance to concentrate on their classes.”