[BHS etree] ETREE: BHS Orientation Week Frequently Asked Questions

[bhs at idiom.com]

Contact:  Kathryn Capps  katecapps at earthlink.net

The BHS e-tree has received many questions about BHS ORIENTATION WEEK 
so we decided to share with our subscriber list the answers to the most 
commonly asked in the form of a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). This 
information is accurate as of 8/18/05. If something changes, we will 
post to the e-tree.

WHAT IS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?
The first day of school is August 31. There is no zero period on the 
first day of school. First period begins at 8:30 AM

WHEN DO STUDENTS GET THEIR SCHEDULES?
Students will get their schedules on their grade level day of Berkeley 
High School Orientation Week.

WHAT DAY DO STUDENTS GO TO ORIENTATION?
The orientation schedule is organized by grade level and the session is 
by last name.

Monday, August 22 is Senior Orientation
Tuesday, August 23 is Junior Orientation
Wednesday, August 24 is Sophomore Orientation

Students whose last name begins with A-M report between 8:30 am -11:30 
am. Students whose last name begins with N-Z report between 1:00pm - 
3:30 pm. WHERE? Go to Jacket Gym (new gym) during your scheduled time.

 
Thursday, August 25 is Freshman Orientation
No matter what time is indicated on freshman packet labels, ALL 9TH 
GRADERS REPORT TO THE LITTLE THEATER* AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR SESSION

--Freshman whose last name begins with A-M report at 8:30 AM
--Freshman whose last name begins with N-Z report at 1:00 PM

*Location has changed from Community Theater to Little Theater since 
flyer was mailed.

 
WHAT DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING WITH THEM TO ORIENTATION

1. $2.00 donation for BHS Organizer (a combination student planner and 
a 25 page guide to Berkeley High and are given to all students).

2. A lock, if they wish to be assigned a locker.

3. The white "registration materials" envelope with the bar-coded 
mailing label and the following forms that were in the mailing 
(completed and signed):

- Reduced fee lunch application

-Technology Policy (blue)

-Student Activities Contract (white)

-Health Center Registry (green or white)-Freshmen only

-Directory Information form

-BUSD emergency card

-ABC HARRELL Photo flyer    

-Berkeley High School Directory 05-06

4. Money, if your student wants to buy PE uniform. Berkeley Athletic 
Fund will be selling PE clothes during orientation and also that 
evening at the reception for new parents. Same prices as last year: 
shorts $10, t-shirts $10, sweat pants $15 and sweatshirt $15.

WHAT DOES THAT TIME ON THE LABEL MEAN?
For Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores, the time on the mailing label of 
your "2005-2006 School Registration Info" envelope is a student’s 
appointment time for a picture ID and yearbook photo. Your student 
should be in the picture ID line at the time on your label. EXCEPT FOR 
FRESHMAN: No matter what time is on your student's label, they should 
report to the Little Theatre at either 8:30 am (last name A-M) or 1:00 
pm (last name N-Z). Instructions for photo taking will be given during 
their group meeting.

WHAT IF MY STUDENT CAN'T MAKE IT TO ORIENTATION WEEK?
If it is at all possible, your student should attend on the assigned 
day and time. Over the four days of orientation, there are over 3000 
students who need to turn in their forms, get their picture taken, get 
their student organizer, pick up their schedule and, if needed, 
complete a change of schedule request.  If everyone waits until the day 
before school it will be chaos. That said-- the make up date to pick up 
a schedule and have a picture ID photo taken is Tuesday, August 30. On 
August 31st (the first day of school) students can pick up their 
schedule starting at 7:30 am. Also the photographer will be on campus 
for picture ID photos (schedule TBA).

MY STUDENT CAN'T MAKE IT ON THEIR GRADE LEVEL DAY SO CAN THEY COME ON 
ONE OF THE OTHER DAYS DURING ORIENTATION WEEK?
No. If a student can't make it on their grade level orientation day, 
then they will need to come on the Tuesday, August 30,  makeup day. 

WHAT IF MY STUDENT'S SCHEDULE IS WRONG?
No changes are made to schedules on orientation day. If a schedule 
change is necessary, students may submit a "schedule change" form 
during orientation. More information about the schedule change process 
is on the form. The last day to turn in schedule change requests to the 
Counseling Office is Friday, Sept. 2.

DO PARENTS NEED TO COME TO ORIENTATION?
Parents, it is not necessary to accompany your student(s) to 
orientation. (Yes, this is true even for parents of entering 9th 
graders! There will be students, staff and parent volunteers there to 
answer their questions and guide them through the process.)

HOW DO STUDENTS GET A LOCKER?
New lockers have been installed in the "C" Building and right now the 
plan is for lockers to be assigned on orientation day by grade level 
and will be assigned on first come, first served basis. If your student 
would like to get a locker for the school year, please bring have them 
bring a lock on the day of their registration. One small caveat: There 
is a small possibility that lockers won’t be assigned due to a 
construction delay. However, students should come prepared with a lock.

MY STUDENT’S PACKET HASN’T ARRIVED YET -- WHAT DO I DO?
The packets were mailed bulk mail rate on August 3. The Post Office has 
up to three weeks to deliver bulk mail and, from what we are hearing, 
packets were still being delivered on August 16. If you haven't 
received your packet by Friday, please come by the BHS Admin office 
(8:00 am - 4:00 pm, 1980 Allston Way, 644-6121). Belinda McDaniel has 
extra materials.