9th graders running the gauntlet

A really neat tradition KM has happens before school even really starts.  On the day before the first day of school, Link Crew leaders and 9th graders fill the halls and classrooms helping 9th graders feel more comfortable with the transition into high school.  To welcome the 9th graders, staff and students create a tunnel, or gauntlet, for the 9th graders to run through as they enter the gym for the first time.  The tunnel/gauntlet is filled with cheers, smiles, and high fives for the incoming freshman.  Their facial expressions are priceless; they are a mix of fear, shock, being overwhelmed, and excitement.  Their nonverbal communication is usually a pretty good indicator of how those particular students are feeling.  That's one of the best parts of Interpersonal Communication: becoming more aware of other's nonverbal communication.

Do you remember running that same gauntlet?  How did you feel?

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