Student-Led Project Welcomes P-TECH Freshmen

Incoming freshmen at P-TECH Oswego were welcomed this fall with personalized supply kits designed to help them feel at home in their new school and set them up for success in the classroom.

The idea came from sophomore student Jeramiah Santos, who wanted to make the transition to high school easier for the newest members of the P-TECH community.

“This year, I worked for the school over the summer, and I was talking to Ms. Peters about something that we could do for the freshmen to make them feel more welcomed now that they’re coming to a new school," Santos said. "I thought that something that could help them out could be something like school supplies. Something like pencils, some sticky notes and that kind of stuff. They’ve got some fidget toys, some gum, some other candy. You know, the little things that teachers would be like you should’ve come prepared with that, and I think that it was nice to give them something that they could start off the year with and make them feel more welcomed.”

Each student received a reusable pouch containing a stainless water bottle with stickers to personalize it, pens, pencils, fun cap erasers, a highlighter, sticky notes, gum, candy and fidgets. In all, 1,300 individual items were purchased and distributed. The supplies were intended to provide for 64 incoming freshmen, representing nine component school districts. Additional items were also made available to students in other grade levels, with some reserved for later use. This was made possible through the partnership and funding of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

The response was immediate. Students began using the supplies, trading candy and fidgets, and personalizing their water bottles within minutes. Teachers noted the excitement the project created, while students expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gesture.

Santos’ leadership has extended beyond this project. Amy VanBrocklin, a senior typist for P-TECH praised his initiative.

“Jer is one of our sophomore students who has not only grown immensely as a friend and star student here at P-TECH, but he has played a big role in starting our unofficial, but soon-to-be-official student government,” said VanBrocklin.

Santos sets a strong example of the values P-TECH seeks to instill — identifying a need, working together and building community.

Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in a technology-related field at no cost, while gaining valuable workplace skills through partnerships with local industries.

For more information about CiTi BOCES P-TECH, visit www.CiTiboces.org/ptech