MRH Eighth-Graders Introduced to High School

*Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the title of Dr. Deann McCann. She is assistant principal at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. This article has been updated to reflect her correct title.

Principal Kevin Grawer told eighth-graders on Monday that he and other staff want them to succeed in high school. He likened the relationship to that between a coach and a sports team.

"'I'm on your side,'" Grawer said, describing what a coach might say to his team. "'Why would I not want anybody here to succeed?'"

The meeting, held for incoming freshmen and their parents, happened in the school's auditorium. It featured Grawer and other speakers who explained their role at the school, described how students can get involved in activities and told them how to begin enrolling in classes.

About 350 students attend the high school.

"I'm so confident in what we're doing, it's the right thing," Grawer said of the work happening at the school.

Dr. Deann McCann, assistant principal* at the high school, said MRH presents numerous opportunities for students. In particular, the availability of laptops is something that many schools don't have.

She stressed the importance of attendance and encouraged students to get involved in an activity.

Athletic director Amber Godfrey said that students interested in participating in fall sports—cheerleading, football, boys soccer and girls volleyball—should start preparing now. Cheerleading tryouts will happen soon, and summer will be a time for training. She also said athletes must maintain good grades or face the possibility of athletic study hall.

Eighth-graders should expect to get a course-selection sheet on Friday, counselor Gwen Donnell told the audience.  Students will have the opportunity to review the school's course guide on their laptops. An older version of the guide may be downloaded from the Internet, and an updated version will be available there before the end of the school year. Students must have a total of 24 credits to graduate, meaning they should take an average of 3.5 credits each semester.

John Capuano, coordinator of the career exploration and apprenticeship program, told students that it's never too early to learn more about a job field. He encouraged students to visit with him about opportunities and told parents to contact him if interested in working with the school.

"We're always looking for professionals who are in the field," Capuano said.

After introductions, a number of older high school students took eighth-graders and parents on separate tours of the building.

Eighth-graders will have the opportunity to walk through their schedules and do other preparatory activities around Aug. 12, the week before the 2011-12 school year begins.

Grawer said the event is valuable—for the older high school students who enjoy volunteering their time and the eighth-graders.

"Anything we can do to make incoming students more comfortable is worth our time," he said.