<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11603 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/nav_frosh2.jpg" alt="nav_frosh2" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/nav_frosh2.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/nav_frosh2-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Members of Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Class of 2021 gathered together as a group for the first time at the new student orientation, “Navigating O’Dowd,” held on campus April 29. The program is designed to help students achieve a smooth transition into high school, and to educate parents about O’Dowd’s programs and services.
The event began in the large gymnasium, where President Steve Phelps and Principal James Childs welcomed the parents and students and talked about the philosophy of O’Dowd’s educational ministry, and Board of Regents President Kim Walsh and Dragon Parent Board President Lora Johnson also made remarks.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11606 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/circle.jpg" alt="circle" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/circle.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/circle-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The students then gathered in the theater and on the football field, where current O’Dowd students – led by Associated Student Body President Will Huntington ’17 – engaged them in fun, team-building activities. Their parents, meanwhile, remained in the large gym where they participated in a parallel orientation session that featured presentations by administrators, teachers and counselors.
After the formal program, the students and their parents had an opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, students and coaches who were at informational tables in the annex and on the Quad. They also had a chance to purchase Dragon logo wear. Many also took time to check out the O’Dowd Student Art Festival, showcasing work from all fine arts classes in a wide range of mediums, set up in the small gymnasium.
Afterwards, many families joined in the Spring Garden Festival, which included workshops, exhibits, food and fun.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11608 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_topdown.jpg" alt="drone_topdown" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_topdown.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_topdown-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Pictured above: Drone view of shadow silhouettes cast as students run across field during activities on football field.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-11609 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_circles.jpg" alt="drone_circles" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_circles.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/drone_circles-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Pictured above: Drone view of students sitting in circles during activities on football field.