RCS News

Eighth Graders Tour High School for Transition Day

(May 30, 2012) On Thursday, May 24, the eighth grade class visited the high school for an transition day, which offers incoming freshmen an introduction to their new school before they beginning ninth grade in the fall.

After a presentation by Principal Bailey, current ninth graders led the incoming freshmen on a tour of the high school. The eighth graders then moved through five workshops to learn about the opportunities and responsibilities of a high school career. High School students led a diversity workshop about the importance of tolerance of all kinds, PE teachers shared information about athletic opportunities at the high school and guidance counselors offered a presentation about academic opportunities. The eighth graders got a respite from the whirlwind tour to enjoy cookies and milk in the cafe and decorate stars with their names for a banner that will hang at orientation in August, and a panel of current freshmen gave their best advice about transitioning to ninth grade.

Asked what they enjoyed most about the high school, current ninth graders touted the array of opportunities for sports, clubs and academics. Nervous eighth graders were reassured that the high school is a fun but friendly place, as the freshmen chuckled about myths of swirlies or stuffing kids in lockers. Panelists celebrated how favorite teachers had inspired their interest in new subjects, and discussed enjoying both the freedom to chew gum and the freedom to tailor their education by pursuing different elective offerings

Graduating eighth graders will officially be welcomed to the high school halls at freshman orientation on August 23.

[View Transition Day Photo Gallery]