October 1, 2009 - Coming into a new school at any age can be a daunting task. Very quickly, you feel the pressure to get to know your new classmates and teachers, while all along trying not to get lost in a new building. At Forts Ferry, those "pressures" are being alleviated by School Counselor, Steve Shephard.

Each September, Shephard invites every new student at Forts Ferry in grades 2-6 to his office for lunch. The goal is to welcome the new students and allow them to get familiar with their new surroundings.

"They are each allowed to invite another student to come with them," said Shepard. "We play games, ask "getting to know you" questions and give information about Forts Ferry."

Shephard wants the students to get to know him as well, but he realizes that it is a two-way street.

"The lunch allows me to get to know them a bit," Shephard said. "It also allows the kids to get to know me as the counselor a little better so they will feel more comfortable approaching me should they ever need my services."