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Rising Freshmen Orientation

Welcome Class of 2030! 

As students and their families plan for the beginning of their high school years, there are many things to consider, including the courses and programs in which you can participate. Preparing for these opportunities can help you to be ready. These resources will help you as you think about and get ready to enter high school.

Please direct any questions about Rising Freshmen Orientation to Classof2030@smcps.org.

Rising Freshman Class of 2030: Spring Transition Events

Attention 8th-Grade Parents and Guardians:

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is excited to share that we are refreshing our approach to Rising Freshman Orientation for the Class of 2030.

After listening carefully to feedback from families and students over the years, we are moving away from the large, one-size-fits-all orientation night traditionally held in early March. Instead, we are introducing a more focused, timely, and personalized series of events designed to help your child feel confident and excited about high school.

Below is what you can expect this spring:

Late February – Early March

Middle School Registration & Scheduling Presentations

Central office staff will partner with your child’s 8th-grade counselor to deliver small-group course registration and scheduling presentations during the school day at each middle school.

Students will:

  • Learn about graduation requirements
  • Explore course options and pathways
  • Ask questions in a smaller, supportive setting
  • Begin planning their high school schedules

This approach allows students to receive detailed information at the right time—before course selections are finalized.

Late March

Applied Technology Exploration (ATEx) Introduction

Staff from the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center (JAFCTC) will visit each middle school during the school day to introduce students to the Applied Technology Exploration (ATEx) elective.

This visit will provide students with insight into:

  • Hands-on learning opportunities
  • Career-focused pathways
  • Technical and applied learning experiences available in 9th grade
Rising Freshmen Orientation 2026 Upcoming Events are described below

 

Wednesday, April 16

Academies Information Night

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center

Students and families are invited to attend this special evening event to learn more about SMCPS’s four academies:

This event provides an opportunity to:

  • Explore academy programs in depth
  • Speak with staff and program representatives
  • Understand the application and participation process

More information is available at: www.smcps.org/academies

Tuesday, June 3

Rising Freshman Nights

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Held at each student’s home high school

All three high schools will host school-specific Rising Freshman Nights for incoming 9th graders and their families.

These events will focus on:

  • Building orientation and navigation
  • Meeting administrators and staff
  • Learning about athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities
  • Hearing advice from current students
  • Preparing for a successful start to high school

Additional details will be shared directly by each high school.

Ongoing Communication

We will continue sharing the most up-to-date details, presentations, and resources through your middle school’s Weekly Newsletter.

If you have questions, please contact:
Classof2030@smcps.org

We are confident that this new approach will provide students and families with clearer, more relevant information at just the right time.

Thank you for partnering with us as your student begins this exciting transition to high school.