If you are a freshman anywhere in the country this year, then you may feel this way. For this Advocate Reporter it was an exciting, yet somehow scary, idea of going to high school. In Lisbon, the middle and high school try to make it an easy transition. Out of all the things the two schools do to try to prepare a student for the change, for me, Freshman Orientation was the best.

All freshmen were required to report to school on Friday, August 22. Transportation to and from school was provided. A free lunch was provided at the end of the Orientation. Freshman Orientation started at 7:30 and ended at noon. Most people got to school five or 10 minutes early to catch up and talk about their summers. At 7:30 a.m. we all officially entered Lisbon High as part of the school. Some students got their schedules while others were instructed to visit the booths in the gym. A number of co-curricular advisors were available at the booths. Academic Advocate was there with a display of some of the past issues and journalism works of students. Sign up sheets were available to join this year’s staff. There was information on other extra curricular groups such as the Lisbon Outing Club, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Yearbook, Boosters, and the Science Olympiad Team. Each club brings something unique and special to the school. Any students interested in joining any of these or other clubs contact the office or guidance office at Lisbon High. Big Brothers and Big Sisters Group contact Ron Hood, BBBS Mentor Coordinator at 782-5437 ex.76 or on his cell at 754-7463. The office is open Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm. You can also go to [email protected] for more information.

After visiting the booths, there was an opening assembly and then we were off to our White day classes for about 35 minutes per class. It was a great introduction to the school. Once we went through the White schedule, we met in the gym with closing remarks from school officials. We had our Red day classes next, then had lunch. It was so great.

I really loved Orientation and wanted to know what other people thought. But, I noticed a lot of new freshmen faces. What did they think of it all? As a returning Advocate Reporter I decided to interview a new student, Danielle Malesiewski. She previously attended Trinity Catholic, but always lived in Lisbon. When asked if she thought Orientation helped her transition into the high school she said, “I think that it helped a lot. I had a chance to meet new people and the teachers and it helped me make sure I knew which room I was supposed to go to.” I asked if there were any suggestions to make it better and she said, “I think they did a really good job and I can’t think of any way they could make it better.” This Reporter felt the same way.

After starting school, I realized how helpful freshman orientation was. I’m very grateful the Administration offered Orientation. I would highly recommend future freshmen to attend. The opportunities at the high school seem endless to me and to many students. Orientation only made it more evident.