On Thursday, January 18, 2019 families and 8th graders from Lafayette’s feeder middle schools converged upon the cafeteria for a first meet-and-greet at their new high school. Clubs, sports teams, and other organizations at Lafayette lined the tables at the back of the cafeteria for parents and students to explore.

The future Generals strolled among the tables and asked questions about core classes, electives, and clubs. The incoming students were encouraged to find an organization they were interested in and sign up.  Later, the parents gathered for a meeting with the principals and counselors while the students attended a Lafayette girls basketball game.

It is an evening that the principals, teachers, coaches, and club sponsors look forward to each year. Mr. Richard Royster, Lafayette’s associate principal, says, “We love meeting our new parents [at] both 8th grade orientation and the summer orientation meeting. Our parents are critical to Lafayette success and our positive relationship with them gives us a head start in student success”.

There will be two more opportunities for incoming 8th graders to visit Lafayette. The next opportunity will be a visit coordinated between the middle school and Lafayette. Students will attend Lafayette for a half day, have a guided tour with an upperclassman, and each lunch in our cafeteria.  The next opportunity is an official orientation in August where students receive their schedules, tour the school, and attend workshops that help with the transition to high school. Likewise, the principals hold small-group meetings for parents of incoming freshman beginning in June.

Our school looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2022 in the fall of 2019.