Marble Falls High School Fish Camp gives freshmen a look at high school life
MARBLE FALLS — Incoming Marble Falls High School freshmen can get a little peek at what lies ahead during the annual Fish Camp — also known as Freshman Orientation.
Parents are invited, too, school officials said.
“Fish Camp is vital,” said Principal Eric Penrod. “For the parents, this is the first time some of them have ever had a student in high school and (Fish Camp) helps them understand what will be going on in their child’s life here. It also goes a long way to help reduce the anxiety in this transitional year for parents and students.”
Fish Camp is 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 11 at the high school, 2101 Mustang Drive.
The orientation is more than a tour of the campus, said Registrar Registrar Wendy Bingham.
“It gives students and their parents an idea about what is going to be happening over the next four years,” Bingham said. “In high school it starts getting very important as far as credits are concerned toward graduation. A lot of freshmen and their parents may not understand how important (credits) are, so we’ll have counselors on hand who will talk about graduation and graduation plans.”
Parents will learn about signing students in and out of the high school, as well as policies covering absences and tardies.
A dress code “do’s and don’ts” program is offered, too.
“We’ll have a program for the parents in the cafeteria where they can ask questions,” Bingham said.
Penrod said even though high school students tend to have more freedom than they did in elementary and middle school, it’s important parents stay involved and understand what’s happening in their children’s academic lives.
“The freshman year is typically one of the more challenging for students,” he said. “It’s probably the one that really determines your success at the high school level.”
Along with counselors, administrators and teachers, many upperclassmen will be on hand to help with Fish Camp and give the freshmen a peer perspective on high school.
Representatives from several campus organizations will introduce the freshmen to extracurricular activities and clubs, Bingham said.
“The cheerleaders and drill team will even hold a pep rally for the freshmen,” she added. “It’s a chance for the new high school students to learn a little bit about what next year will be like.”
Bingham said parents of current students should register their children online before attending Fish Camp.
Just go online and look for the Marble Falls Independent School District.