Moving up from WMS to the high school can be stressful for students, so we provide a variety of events and activities to make the transition as smooth as possible.
9th Grade Academy: To assist students in making the transition from middle school to high school, Wissahickon High School utilizes an “Academy” approach. The 9th Grade Academy is a small learning community comprised of three teams of teachers. Each team consists of a Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and Special Education teacher. The teams meet on a regular basis (2 times per 6 day cycle) to analyze data, share best practices, conduct cross-curricular planning and have student specific conversations to help support all 9th grade students. In doing this, students should benefit from having a more personalized High School experience.
The goals of the 9th Grade Academy are to increase academic performance for all students, implement 21st century teaching and learning through the 1:1 laptops, and build community with student collaboration. Wissahickon High School seeks to develop a community of learners in which all 9th grade students feel comfortable and willing to take learning risks. The 9th Grade Teams work with students to help them develop high school, post secondary and professional goals that will support them in developing 21st century skills to make them marketable in a global economy.
Activities Fair: WHS club representatives meet with incoming 9th graders to explain club activities and encourage participation.
Ambassadors Club: The Ambassadors Club strives to make all new students feel welcome and comfortable in WHS through welcome sessions, information seminars, giving tours, and helping students acclimate to our school system.
Freshman Orientation: To support freshmen with a successful transition to high school, the WHS Wiss Link, comprised of four staff advisors and 85 leaders from the junior and senior class, provides a Freshman Orientation and other activities throughout the school year.
Water Ice Meet & Greets: Before school starts each year, WHS hosts Water Ice Meet & Greets for rising 9th graders and their families. Invites are sent via email.
