Music from the Bethel-Tate High School Band echoed through the halls as eighth-graders entered BTHS in early February and made their way to the cafeteria to participate in the annual Eighth-Grade Transitions visit.
There was no doubt this was a special and important day for the Bethel-Tate Middle School guests - members of the BTHS Class of 2027.
The Eighth-Grade Transitions visit is one of several special events Principal George Sturgeon prioritizes for incoming freshmen. His goal is to help make the transition from middle school to high school as seamless as possible.
The eighth-grade visit on Feb. 10th was all about familiarizing the eighth-graders with the building and introducing them to the extensive extracurricular/cocurricular options available to them at BTHS. After a robust welcome in the cafeteria, National Honor Society members escorted groups of eighth-graders through the high school. The tours concluded in the gymnasium, where each high school sport, club and activity had representatives ready to answer questions.
The visit concluded with a robust pep assembly-style farewell. In addition, on Wednesday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m., BTHS will be hosting an eighth-grade parent night. This meeting is to review information, including graduation requirements and course selection for next year, provide a tour of the building and answer any questions parents of the rising freshman may have. In August, schedule pickup will provide the incoming freshmen an additional opportunity to tour the building and walk their schedule ahead of the first day of school.
Even then, freshmen should find a relaxed atmosphere. The first day of school is for freshmen only at the high school, Mr. Sturgeon said. The only upperclassmen will be Student Ambassadors who will be there to assist the freshmen throughout the day. Students will meet their teachers, visit their assigned locker, and enjoy a “how to” lesson in pep assembly etiquette.
“It’s a day that’s all about them,” Mr. Sturgeon said. “We want them to feel like they belong at the high school and that they are part of the culture.”