On Tuesday, February 2nd , Westmont High school held an orientation for incoming freshmen and their parents. The 8th graders and their parents were encouraged to visit the school to spend the evening learning more about the high school that they will be attending next fall. 

"It is the first step for parents and students who are coming over, transitioning into the high school experience. It gives them an opportunity to see what we do, experience the school, meet our students, see some of their teachers, and, in particular, answer some questions about the scheduling process," said Steve Carr, WHS principal.

The event started in the commons, where students and teachers had earlier set up stations to advertise their clubs and sports, decorating the tables to give a representation of the extracurricular. For example, the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) club laid out a bag they made out of recycled water bottles while the World Language Club donned their table with a model Eiffel tower and a stuffed Chihuahua. The athletic programs such as football, volleyball, soccer, and cheerleading, among others, displayed trophies and awards to attract the interests of future sports stars.

During this time, the WHS band provided entertainment by playing musical scores while the incoming freshmen explored their future opportunities. The 8 th graders signed up for the clubs that they found themselves interested in and chatted with some of the high school students involved who gave them a first-hand perspective.

"I found it beneficial that we had tables to go to and find out what each club actually was," stated incoming freshmen Kathryn Saska.

After about a half hour of exploring the clubs and sports, the 8th grade students and their parents were asked to move to the auditorium. There, Mr. Carr  gave them a brief speech about the next year. In it, he discussed how school improvement is top priority and that high school graduation will be "a very unique and powerful experience." Carole Wyrostek and Larissa Zelisko, student counselors, then took the stage and briefed the audience about the upcoming scheduling process.

Fifteen-twenty WHS student volunteers waited outside of the auditorium to give the 8th graders and their parents tours following the speeches. The evening concluded with the students leading groups through the school, giving students the chance to familiarize themselves with the building.

Many left with accomplishing the goal of making the 8th grader's transition into high school more comfortable.

Alex Stedman, WHS Class of 2010