Park started the year off strong with our annual freshmen orientation. To kick off the school year, Park hosted the annual freshman orientation Aug. 31. It started off with an assembly in the gymnasium, then students transitioned into spending some time with their connections teachers in their rooms. Then, freshmen got the chance to wander the halls by themselves to feel their way around. Afterwards, they attended an activity fair where they got a chance to look at different clubs and sports.
According to ninth grade counselor Barb Nelson, construction has caused some changes for freshman orientation this year.
“Because of construction we didn’t have a freezer. Normally we have ice cream sandwiches or popsicles or something like that so we ran and bought fruit snacks for the end,” Nelson said. “There’s always little things like that but we adapt and change.”
Incoming freshman Ella Koethe said orientation helped her navigate and learn the school’s layout, but she still gets confused.
“It’s helpful because we get to find our classes and meet our teachers,” Kotche said. “I’m excited (for this year), a little scared though because the school is confusing.”
Nelson said every new year is exciting because she gets to know new people. She said the goal of orientation is getting freshmen in the building and making them feel comfortable.
“Every class has their own little vibe. So it’s fun to get to know them and see how they are. It’s always fun to see new faces,” Nelson said. “Ninth graders come in a bit shy and aren’t sure where they fit so you could see groups of them sitting together. Orientation is really about getting them in the building and getting them to feel more comfortable.”
Incoming freshman Erin Eichten said not much of the information taught at orientation wasn’t needed because she knew some of it already.
“Maybe don’t make (orientation) as long because I personally don’t need all of this information,” Eichten said. “I already knew some of it.”
Nelson said the incoming freshmen won’t be affected by construction much because they don’t know how different the high school looked before renovations.
“Ninth graders are new to the building so they don’t know any difference, and they just have to find their way around a little bit differently,” Nelson said.
