The Leadership Team of Hays High visited the students at Hays Middle School on Tuesday, March 30 and Wednesday, March 31 from 12:50 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

The high school students visited in order to help incoming freshmen with planning their schedules for their first year of high school while also teaching them how to work Xello, which is Hays High’s program to assist students in considering their future paths and goals.

Though it was not required, Leadership Team students had the opportunity to volunteer for and sign up to visit the school. Due to COVID-19, the team was not able to make the visit last year.

According to guidance counselor Troy Dale, the Leadership Team members assisting the eighth grade students helps to get pre-enrollment requests entered quickly and more accurately.

“My favorite part of the visit is seeing our leaders working with small groups of incoming eighth graders by providing guidance, answering questions and helping to possibly start their transition to high school,” Dale said. “I feel this is an extension from when the eighth-grade students visited Hays High by continuing to work with our leaders in this manner.”

Junior Jocelyn Rigler said her favorite part of volunteering to go to the visit was making conservations with the eighth graders.

“Trying to make relationships with a few of them before they even get to the high school can help them be more comfortable and feel welcomed,” Rigler said.

21mmcbride@usd489.com