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Area Students, Schools Prepare For School

The Coulter family visited Temple Elementary School for Open House on Wednesday night to get a feel for the first grade pod and to meet their son’s teacher. Pictured, from left, are Darci, Adam, Dave and Andrew Coulter. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

From kindergarteners to high schoolers, students all across the area are gearing up for the start of the new school year.

On Wednesday afternoon, Jamestown High School freshmen took a tour of the building to find out what life will be like as a high school student during freshman orientation. The students received their schedules, heard from administrators and received some advice from upperclassmen.

Julie Zaffalon, JHS guidance counselor, said the orientation helps students acclimate to the school. Finding their way around the building can be a challenge, but having a day to walk around and get used to it is helpful, she said.

“We have a powerpoint that describes the whole building and the map, and their schedule,” Zaffalon said. “Then they can spend the rest of the day and tomorrow coming in with their friends to do their schedule again and again so they know where they’re going.”

Two sessions were held Wednesday for students at the high school. The tours were guided by Honor Society 12th-graders. Later in the day, the tour guides sat on the stage of the auditorium and offered advice to their younger classmates such as lunch at the high school and how to open the locks on the lockers.

“They pretty much have a good understanding of things when they leave here,” Zaffalon said. “A lot of them, it’s their first time in the building. It helps them for the first day of school to feel a little bit more at ease.”

Tiara Skinner, a former Washington Middle School student, said coming to the high school is exciting. Skinner will be a part of the advanced learning program.

“I feel like it’s a way to get ahead and you can get into better college based on your performance,” Skinner said.

While it may be intimidating to be at the high school, she said she knows a few people at the high school. She said she is looking forward to participating in choir and band activities this year.

“I would take part more, but I dance,” she said.

Bre Litzen, who perviously attended Jefferson Middle School, said admitted she was nervous about freshman orientation but feels the school year will be easy. She said she is looking forward to math classes at the high school.

Later in the day, Temple Elementary School was filled with students and their families, bringing their school supplies in to their new classrooms and meeting their teachers. The first-grade pod was busy with activity as students found their lockers and met their classmates. Dave Coulter, a parent, said he thinks open house events are important for families.

“We’ve signed up for parent teacher association, and found his room and seat,” Coulter said. “Open houses are very helpful – you can meet other parents and other kids. Falconer seems to be a pretty good school, and we’re pretty pleased with the teaching here.”

Principal Holly Hannon said she is excited that school is starting up next week.

“It’s my favorite time of the year,” Hannon said. “I get really excited for the students to come back and see their faces. I like having open house prior to school because it really rejuvenates everyone. When the kids who have been here before run in and scream my name, then you know you made an impact.”

She said many families participate in the event and it has been a great success over the years. She said the teachers also enjoy the event, and find it to be useful.

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