School awaits: time to get oriented

"It's different.That's how Oak Harbor High School Assistant Principal Rob Prosh describes the environment of high school compared to that of middle school. The differences include a much bigger student body, new teachers and administrators, new courses and a whole new campus layout to learn. And Prosh says the differences can often be felt more by parents than by students.That's why the school holds a special orientation for freshman, new students and their parents each summer - and they throw in a barbecue to boot. This year's event will be Tuesday evening, Sept. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. That's only two days before school begins instead of a couple weeks like it was last year.I felt it would be more beneficial to have it closer to school so the information is fresh in their minds, said Prosh.Prosh said the orientation will be more streamlined than in years past and will feature a student welcoming program by members of the Associated Student Body. The school's cheerleaders and members of the football team will also be on hand performing skits and cooking hot dogs.The orientation is the second phase of a two-part introduction that began at the end of last year when graduating eighth-grade students were invited to the high school for a quick tour and a question-and-answer session.This time it also includes the parents, said Prosh. I really want to meet the parents' needs during this visit.The school is expecting 461 incoming freshmen this year as well as 70 new students entering the Oak Harbor district for the first time. Overall population at the school is expected to be 1,854.A barbecue dinner will be free to all freshmen but their parents will need to pay $1 for dinner on a first-come-first-served basis. Last year, about 1,200 people attended the orientation.Here's a look at the agenda.6:30 p.m., welcome and icebreaker7 p.m., barbecue at and around Parker Hall7:30 p.m., freshmen and parent information and question/answer periodFor more information, contact the high school at 679-5806. "

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.