By Bianca Meltser, 12th Grade
When considering the right high school for me, many factors went into my decision. One consideration was the location of the school, and since I live an hour away from HAFTR, some people encouraged me to attend a school closer to home. While the thought of having an extra hour of sleep every morning sounded great, ultimately I decided to enroll in HAFTR High School. Looking back at that decision, I can honestly say that there is no high school experience that would have been a better choice for me, and I am so happy to have decided to enroll at HAFTR.
While HAFTR is a school, it is also a home. It is a place filled with the support of friends and teachers, and where students learn essential values for life while developing a passion for learning. Those of us at HAFTR feel this inclusive and engaging environment every day, but it can be hard to relay this experience to prospective students without having them see it for themselves. So, to help the incoming class of 2029 get a glimpse of our routine, HAFTR opened its doors in its annual HAFTR Experience event. This program invites the incoming freshman class the opportunity to visit the school and spend a few hours getting to know the faculty, students, and layout of the building. This year, HAFTR hosted this event on Tuesday, February 11, when current eighth graders from various schools visited for a day of engaging activities.
The day began when students were divided into several groups and assigned to designated upperclassmen, whose job was to bring them around the school to different activities. Each activity allowed students to walk in the shoes of a high schooler. Not only did they participate in fun activities including digital design, art, engineering and technology, science labs, e-sports, Maker Space, and Spanish, but they also sat in on interesting classes taught by our esteemed faculty, representing subjects in both General and Judaic Studies. The eighth graders were able to talk to current high schoolers about their experiences. Many of us spoke to the students about the warm environment and how everyone feels like a family here. The experience concluded with a fresh brick oven pizza lunch and Dippin’ Dots while also having the opportunity to play arcade basketball, ping pong, and several other games.
Being a student at HAFTR High School is an incredible, unmatched experience. This year’s HAFTR Experience allowed the incoming freshmen to feel the inclusive, unique, and warm environment HAFTR offers. I know that each student will have a fulfilling, satisfying, and growthful high school experience. The impact HAFTR will have on them, as it has for myself and my friends, will benefit them and help them thrive in the future.
