The 2016-2017 school year for Pattonville students starts on Thursday, Aug. 11; however, on Aug. 5, the incoming freshmen got a glimpse of what their next four years will look like.

“Freshman Orientation is meant for freshmen to learn about the school and all of its opportunities,” William Pirrie (11) said.

The morning was kicked off with students being put into groups and meeting a few upperclassmen volunteering to help lead the day. The freshmen were then led to the auditorium where they were introduced to the principals and guidance counselors of the high school, as well as saw performances from the cheerleaders and drill team.

The principals summarized the behavioral expectations of each Pattonville Pirate. Following that, the counselors introduced themselves and provided some insight as to what freshmen should keep in mind as the year goes on.

Later in the day, incoming freshmen toured the school to help them get a feel of their new life change.

Juniors and seniors involved in PALs, Student Council, and the National Honor Society helped conduct the orientation. These upperclassmen were some of the first faces that freshmen were introduced to at PHS.

Henry Bodde (12) helped pass out name tags and lunch tickets for the freshmen early in the morning.

“They all looked so nervous and excited,” Bodde said.

Later on, Bodde showed incoming students videos to help educate the freshmen on what to expect over the next four years at Pattonville.

“I showed videos about involvement, GPA, and first day of school expectations versus the reality of it,” Bodde said.

For some of the seniors, Aug. 5 was a throwback to when they were also freshmen feeling small in a new and larger school.

“Freshman Orientation was like a huge flashback for me,” Erykah White (12) said. “It was really cool to conduct Freshman Orientation because I was once in their position and I can understand how nervous they are and help them with their transition into high school. It feels awesome to be able to do that.”

Senior Mady Clark, who is currently involved in varsity cheerleading, varsity track, and PALs, made it a point for the incoming freshmen that involvement throughout high school is extremely important. Clark had the opportunity to perform for the freshmen at orientation with her team as well.

“Being involved has helped me make new friends around the building and have such a positive outlook on high school,” Clark said. “It’s made school much more enjoyable. During my freshman year, having older friends who knew the building really helped me find my way.”

Roma Patel (12) used Freshman Orientation to look back on the four years she has spent at PHS.

“It’s crazy to think I have been here for four years,” Patel said. “I like to help others as much as I can. I gave them advice that I was given or picked up during my years here.”

The Pattonville School District will be in full session as of Thursday, Aug. 11.

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