Grand Haven school orientations kick off the new year
Wed, Aug 20, 2008 
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BY SYLVIA DANA
sdana@grandhaventribune.com
Grand Haven students are getting back into the school groove as district orientations create excitement, and take care of some enrollment business, this week.
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Orientation sessions include everything needed to start off the school year, such as taking school pictures and paying on lunch accounts.
"I'm looking forward to the fresh start ... and the dances," said Greg Rokisky, a student attending the Grand Haven High School orientation session for juniors Tuesday.
Some new juniors said they are thinking of the year's upcoming challenges. Matt VanZytveld, Dave Miller and Paul Ortega compared class schedules for the new school year.
"It's going to be tough," Ortega said. "Junior year is the hardest year. You have to take tough classes."
Besides taking on a heavy class load, some students are weighing the pros and cons of the new trimester schedule in effect at Grand Haven High this year.
"I'm not a fan of trimesters — the classes are going to be too long," said Miller of the 75-minute blocks.
Other students can't wait to get started, trimester schedule and all.
"I'm glad we have more classes. We can take more electives," said Shannon Sowles about the trimester schedule. Sowles said she's psyched to take the introduction to psychology class.
"I'm really excited about our new classes," said Shelbi Witowski, while posing for her school picture. The junior said she looks forward to her photography and drama subjects the most.
Rylee Tuggle, a new student at Grand Haven High this year, said she's just happy to be back in a public school and is looking forward to "a normal high school experience." For the previous two school years, she attended a private boarding school in which she wore a uniform and was under strict watch.
"Here, I get to wear 'civies' (civilian clothing) and I'll have a lot more freedom," Tuggle said.
At the middle school, sixth-graders entering secondary school for the first time will be starting a new chapter in their lives.
"I can't wait to go to a new school and go to so many different classes," sixth-grader Meara Williamson said.
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Dennis McKee and Beverly McKee believe their youngest daughter is ready for middle school.
"It's fun to watch her grow up," Beverly McKee said about sixth-grader Katie McKee.
Orientation sessions include yearbook purchases, bus and locker assignments, school pictures, student ID and schedule pick-ups, and lunch deposits. At the middle schools, sports and clubs sign-ups, PTA membership and school supply purchases are also available.
Grand Haven High School orientations continue for sophomores today and freshman Thursday. A make-up orientation session takes place 9-11 a.m. Monday.
Lakeshore Middle School "Give & Take" orientation sessions for students and parents take place today and Thursday.
White Pines Middle School's orientation took place Monday and Tuesday. Students and parents who were unable to attend the sessions can pick up their information at the main office beginning today.
For more information about GHAPS orientations, call 850-5000.
Orientations for Spring Lake Public Schools' middle and high school students take place Monday.
"Kick Start," the middle school orientation, is from 2-7 p.m. The high school's "Smart Start" orientation is 8:30-10 a.m. for freshmen, 10:30-11:30 a.m. for seniors, 1-2 p.m. for juniors and 2:15-3:15 p.m. for sophomores.
For more information about the Spring Lake orientations, call 846-5500.
