Shadow Day, which took place on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30, was a major success despite having completely changed the agenda from previous years. In the past, the eighth graders would follow assigned students to each class as an introduction to the high school setting.

The decision to change the style was sparked from reading surveys of past visiting eighth graders and taking their ideas and concerns into great consideration. From the surveys, Ms. Calvanico and Mr. Caprio, Becton’s guidance counselors, were able to alter the schedule where the eighth graders would go to stations of select classes or electives. The true goal for this drastic change was to persuade students to come to Becton, rather than competing schools, by emphasizing its key features.

Shadow Day helped Kiersten Hjelm of East Rutherford become exposed to the extracurricular activities offered at Becton and the advantages it has over the Bergen Academies. If coming to Becton, she said that she is most looking forward to joining the band, choir, debate team and sports, along with enrolling in AP classes.

Led by the cheerleaders, students stopped at individual stations for about half an hour each. Ms. Calvanico noted how the cheerleaders were key. “They were responsible for everyone getting to their spots on time, since they were not on the bell schedule,” she said.

At the drama station, the eighth graders were introduced to improv-acting, and at the journalism station, students created a writing or drawing for the Cat’s Eye View school newspaper contest. Moving on, the digital photography station allowed students to use Photoshop to alter a photo of themselves, and the physical education station had students participate in archery. Each eighth grader also got to complete different experiments when at the science portion of the tour.  Last but certainly not least, in the music station, select high school students and eighth graders partnered together to sing.

After each station was completed, the eighth graders went to the Media Center to interact with a panel of seven seniors. The student panel introduced themselves by giving a brief background of different courses, clubs and activities that they have participated in while at Becton. During the panel, students were also introduced to advanced placement courses, Virtual High School, and sports teams. The floor was then open to any questions or concerns the eighth graders had.

Ms. Calvanico was very impressed with the panel. She said, “They showed Becton at its finest through the most eloquent manner.” She felt the selected students were able to truly encompass the Becton pride by showcasing the variety of courses and clubs Becton has to offer.

The majority of eighth graders noted that Shadow Day was very informative and helpful, and introduced them to another viewpoint of high school. Emanuel Pozuelos of East Rutherford said, “Becton was not like I imagined, and I truly enjoyed the atmosphere of the school community.”

Khushi Butt of Carlstadt hopes to find a high school that supports all of her interests and prepares her for the future. Her favorite activity was using Photoshop in digital photography and she said that she wishes to join the school newspaper if she comes to Becton. Shadow Day enabled her to see how the clubs and courses relate to her interests.

Furthermore, students agreed that the lunches offered at Becton were definitely a step up from their middle school. Other comments included the excitement for the new weight room and science labs and the construction updates made to the building.

“If the administration is happy with the way Shadow Day was conducted, it will continue in the future. I would like to thank all the teachers and students for exhibiting the highest degree of professionalism,” said Ms. Calvanico.