Our primary way to communicate with you is by email. Any communication from us will include the words "Class Connectors". Our email address is: BHSConnectors@belmont.k12.ma.us

The administration and students of Belmont High School recognize the importance of extending a warm, supportive welcome to new students. Accordingly, the BHS Class Connectors Program provides entering freshmen and transfer students with an opportunity to meet with upperclassmen ("Connectors") that are able to provide information and support so the new student's adjustment to life at the high school will go smoothly. The BHS Class Connectors will meet with new students during the New Student Orientation. New Student Orientation will be held on August 28th from 5:30-7:45. Connectors will be required to arrive early for setup and to stay after the event to help cleanup.

To help ensure that new students are given a proper welcome to the high school community, each Connector agrees to do the following:

1. Connectors will register during the spring for the next school year's activities via the online system. It is important that each Connector provide an accurate email address, and routinely monitor their email boxes during the spring and summer, as this will be the only mode of communication between the program coordinators and the Connectors.
2. Connectors will volunteer at New Student Orientation, held on the evening of August 28th. At this event, you may provide tours of BHS, socialize with incoming new students & their parents, or both. These activities will give new students an opportunity to become acquainted with the building, meet other students and ask questions before the first day of school.
3. Connectors will attend a mandatory training session on August 27th, the evening before the New Student Orientation event.
4. Connectors are encouraged to find additional ways to provide information and support to younger students throughout the school year. Activities, such as Connecting with Belmont Community Service Day, will continue to be organized and provide ongoing opportunities for contact between students from all grades.
5. Connectors will complete all paperwork (including evaluations and community service forms) associated with the program
   

For the first time, the Connector program will offer leadership opportunities to a select group of students. The leaders will meet with the Program Coordinators to help plan the event. To help ensure that the event runs smoothly, the leaders should be willing to do the following:

1. Assist with planning the activities for Upperclassmen Training and New Student Orientation
2. Organize upperclassmen for activities during the New Student Orientation event
3. Be available for meetings during June 2013
4. Be available during the summer by email
5. Be available during the day of Upperclassmen Training and New Student Orientation
6. Create and/or present information during Upperclassmen Training
7. Create artwork such as a logo or posters to be used during the Connector Event

Leadership opportunities are limited! Sign up by June 1 if you are interested in becoming a Connector Leader. Please contact Ms. Melnikoff if you have questions about becoming a Connector Leader.

1. The PTO and school staff members will help organize the Connections Evening in August, when upperclassmen will be available to answer questions and conduct tours of the building.
2. The Program will provide mentoring skills training to all Connectors and any additional support that is needed.
3. The Program will grant community 3 service hours (toward the 40-hour BHS graduation requirement) to Connectors who successfully meet all the expectations outlined above. Additional community service hours will be granted relative to the extra time spent.