Every year, in order to prepare the incoming freshman for what’s to come on their first day of high school, Park prepares a freshman orientation the week before the first day of school.

Coordinated by counselor Barb Nelson on August 27, students followed their schedules with the normal five minute passing time, but the classes were only ten minutes long.

Science teacher Al Wachutka said since the classes are so short the teachers aim to give an overview of the year and take the edge off the first day.

“The most important thing is to get comfortable with the school, the hallways and where they’re going without the confusion of all the other students,” Wachutka said.

Freshman Charlie Schuebel said orientation helped him familiarize himself with what high school is like.

“Orientation has been good. It helped me learn about what’s going to happen. Now I’m not too worried anymore,” Schuebel said.

Freshman Haley Hyppa said walking around the building gave her a good feel for the set up of the school.

“You get to know your way around and get advice from upperclassmen,” Hyppa said. “It relieves some of the stress about high school.”