Parents Get Prepped for High School

Parents of eighth-graders at Weber Middle School gathered at Schreiber High School on Thursday night to learn more about the transition their children will be making from upperclassmen to underclassmen next fall.

"We have a lot of questions and I hope many are answered," said Bari Siegel, who has a son in the eighth-grade, prior to the orientation. "I know there's a lot of elective possibilities, so I really want to find out more about them and see how the days are going to be structured, and obviously, what courses the kids need to take."

Schreiber High School, which currently has 1,550 students enrolled, will welcome close to 400 freshmen next fall. To help make the transition to the high school a smooth one, the district has set up a team of teachers, counselors and assistant principals to help the students with anything they may need.

"Keep open the lines of communication," said Hank Hardy, Schreiber's director of guidance. "Don't be afraid to e-mail a teacher or counselor with your concerns. Be a part of the HSA [Schreiber Home School Association] and SEPTA [Special Education PTA] and get involved in activities here."

Hardy not only told parents to stay involved in their children's lives and join parent activities in the school, but also a few eighth-graders in the crowd. "Approach your courses with the best effort," he said. "Don't be afraid to explore. Get to know your counselor and people you work with. Just have fun."

With 26 AP courses, several elective programs, and over 50 clubs and activities, parents seemed impressed with the variety of programs offered to the students. "That's the good thing about Schreiber," said Leslie Granger, who has a senior at Schreiber and two eighth-graders making the transition next year. "They have something for everybody."

Schreiber Principal Jay Lewis welcomed the parents to the orientation and gave an overview of the scheduling, curriculum, and extra curricular activities. Lewis suggested that the students get involved in after-school activities, clubs, and sports. "You need to encourage your children to get involved in the life of the school," Lewis said.

The eighth-grade parent orientation is part of a three-part program that is held in January each year. The next orientation is scheduled for Jan. 21. Parents will learn the details of the curriculum and what is needed for graduation. They will also be meeting with chairpersons from the academic and athletic departments.

The final part of the program is the student orientation, which will be held on June 21. The eighth-graders will be taking a tour of the high school and learn about attendance, classes, and school policies. A follow-up meeting will be held on the following night at 7 p.m. for parents.

To celebrate the transition, Hardy said the freshmen are invited to an event in August called, "Bagel and Locks," where the students will have breakfast with the assistant principals, receive their schedule and the locks for their lockers. At this time, they will have the opportunity to take another tour of the school to see their classrooms.

"These orientations are a good way for students to meet one another, the assistant principals and become part of this school," Hardy said. "We hope this helps them to become familiar with the school and their surroundings."