How important is freshman orientation?

[crisi]

Depends on what orientation is.

Choosing a locker in the right spot - if done at orientation - can make or break a freshman's social experience.

Will he register for electives at orientation. Getting the really stupid electives because everyone else got the cool classes is also not a great thing - socially.

Is this the "social event of the Freshman late summer?" For a lot of schools orientation isn't about learning the hallways, its about seeing your friends, scoping out the groups from the other middle schools.

I don't think academically there is much of a problem missing orientation, and an adjustable kid can learn the school with a map and figure out switching classes easily. However, you may want to talk to a recent Freshman in your district and find out what sort of social necessity orientation is - its possible that "only geeks go to orientation" at your school - its also possible that you HAVE to go or your locker ends up down in the Math hall.

Lest you think I believe social is the be all and end all - I don't. But I think that if you aren't stressed about the really stupid social stuff in high school, you can do better acedemically.

 

[goofyforlife]

We will be on the EB Panama with you!! I have two daughters.

We're EB's too.... Luckily it will be my dd's 2nd yr in HS.

So her missing a week will be a little challenging logistically (as in i'll have to touch base with all of her teachers and make sure they save a seat and book for her) but beyond that we don't get into the work too much until after labor day.

My dd turns 14 in May.