Brochures Transition to high school | Page 5

Athletics and other activities All students are strongly encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. Numerous studies show that students who participate in activities receive better grades in their coursework, have higher self-esteem, feel more connected to their school, and are more successful after high school. Students can choose from a wide variety of activities including: adapted sports for students with special needs, baseball, basketball, debate, football, marching band and color guard, Math League, newspaper, Science Olympiad, skiing, soccer, speech team, swimming and diving, tennis, theatre, track, volleyball, yearbook, and many, many more. Student fees cover a portion of the cost of co-curricular activities. Students who qualify for free meals can participate at no cost. Students who qualify for reduced cost meals pay half the normal fee. There is an individual and family cap that may reduce the cost for students who participate in several activities. There is no fee for students who participate in school clubs. Buses are available in late afternoon to provide transportation for students who stay after school for activities or help with academic work. Important note! Practice begins Monday, August 12 for fall sports seasons: cross country running, football, soccer, girls’ tennis and volleyball. Some schools require students to register in advance, others conduct registration the first day of practice. For information on fall athletics call the activities secretary at your high school. School spirit Students find school more enjoyable and develop school spirit when they participate in activities and attend school events, such as games, concerts, dances, plays, etc. Students can get a significant discount on event tickets by purchasing punch passes. Each high school sponsors significant social activities, such as Homecoming Week, a special winter week, and a spring prom, which is open to juniors and seniors. Freshmen and sophomores may attend prom only if they are guests of a junior or senior. Career planning It is never too early to encourage your child to think about a career. All students take the PLAN test their sophomore year. It gives them a picture of their academic progress and helps them determine what types of careers might be of interest to them and what high school courses will create a pathway to those careers. All high schools have career centers with a wealth of information about careers and colleges. 4