If Greeley West freshmen were still wondering what the adults in the building had in store for them, they were provided the answers during Wednesday’s class meeting in the auditorium.  Over 450 students took over the theater and shared energetic chants, celebrated success, and were provided data about their grades to this point during homeroom.

Freshman counselor Mr. Mitch Johnson and assistant principal Mr. Aaron Allen led the assembly with the help of two cheerleaders and faculty members who monitored students in the seats.  The agenda was simple:  celebrate freshmen in the school and help them set goals for the remainder of the semester.

Celebrations included specific nominations from homerooms at the ninth grade level.  Teachers were allowed to nominate students for success in classes, for assisting other students, or for general behavior.  Mr. Dave Falter and Mr. Stephen Paulson also celebrated a handful of AP Human Geography students, as this is the first year the class is being offered to ninth graders.

“I though the assembly was very fun and very energetic,” freshman Z Welch said. “I think we should have more like that, maybe even more frequently.”

Allen’s presentation became more serious when talking about pass rates of current students.  The principal celebrated the fact that nearly one third of the freshmen class would make honor roll if grades were finalized today.  He also confronted some lack of achievement as well with data.  Nearly 12 percent of the class is currently earning an F – the most coming in Algebra 1 (95 failing grades) and Street Law (83 failing grades).

Allen warned students of the danger of failing classes.  “For the first time ever, your grades actually count,” Allen said. “And October is the most important month – it’s where you make the decision to work hard to pass.”

Allen and Johnson led the students in a balloon challenge to re-energize the group.  Teams of seven tried to pop balloons by sitting on them.  The activity was intended to encourage students to grab high school by the hands and find success.  “Are you just going to sit on the balloon and hope something happens?” Allen asked.  “Or are you going to make sure you complete the task?”

The class also practiced their freshmen chant to beat the seniors during the next all-school assembly.

“I was in a really crazy section and there was a lot of energy around me and it felt really good, freshman Bridget Hulac said. “I think we will (win the spirit stick) because we were so close last time.”

Hulac also appreciated the individual shout-outs to students who are succeeding.  “I saw a lot of my friends up there and it made me proud of them.”

Will students feel motivated by the assembly?  That remains to be seen. “I think it will help some students want to improve their grades,” Welch said.  “But some kids are probably more stressed and more likely to not care now too.  It just depends.”