On January 23, the current eighth grade class from Cedar Park Middle School had the chance to walk around the high school, learn about clubs and organizations and talk to teachers about the courses available to them next year. For most of the students, it was their first time inside the high school.
“Eighth grade night really helps you to know the building a bit more, so you can learn were everything is,” current eighth grader Abby Frizzell said. “The high school’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be.”
While the parents were in the PAC getting information about what high school will be like for their kids, the students got to go around the school on a scavenger hunt, learning about the different electives that are offered.
“It really helped me learn a lot about the classes, and what to expect for next year,” eighth grader Zach Glass said. “My impression of high school is really different after this. I thought that it would be like, no one helps you, but it’s not like that at all.”
When the scavenger hunt was over, students and their parents roamed around the cafeteria, picking up flyers and learning even more about the classes and clubs that had display tables. Volunteers and teachers were there to answer any questions the parents and kids had.
“The eighth grade night helps the students to see their options as far as the curriculums,” English and Psychology teacher Mrs. Steele said. “It helps them to be more familiar and comfortable with the environment.”
A lot of things about the eighth grade night have changed since last year. The attendance level is higher, and there are a lot more displays in the cafeteria of all the clubs and classes.
“It’s very interesting to see the students at the eighth grade night,” Steele said. “And then to see them next year and how much they’ve grown since middle school. It’s also a really exciting time for the students.”