By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

Registration at Pelham High School has changed in the past few years due to school construction, administrative preference and system shifts.

In the past, PHS hosted registration during one summer week on a Tuesday and Thursday night from 4-8 p.m.

During that time, we registered almost every child planning to attend PHS.

Last year, there were 40 hours of registration offering multiple days complete with morning and evening sets of hours for each graduating class available.

This year, PHS offered one day of registration for each graduating class with two morning and two evening hours.

While parents appreciated the opportunity to engage more with counselors and administrators, many teachers were unable to attend due to intensive summer training in the weeks before, during and after registration.

Thanks to InfoSnap, a new software program designed to collect and store student information digitally, most data entry took place at keyboards rather than with pen and paper—hopefully collecting more information with less opportunity for human error.

With most parents able to enter data at home, the lines and waiting at this week’s registration were short with students and parents making a physical appearance only to choose lockers and parking, pay fees, and pick up final schedules.

Few changes were noted from tentative schedules students received before school was dismissed in May.

“Getting to see my friends at registration is great,” said freshman Tanya Ruimin.

Thursday night’s freshman registration brought students out in full force because, especially for students who are not driving, summers can be lonely.

“So you guys are coming to Camp Pelham, right?” asked junior Addison Fuller, a PHS Peer Helper volunteering at registration.

“I will definitely be at Camp Pelham,” said freshman Sammie Abbott. “Being here the day before school starts will help me find my classes and know where I’m going.”

All new PHS students are invited to Camp Pelham on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 8:30-11 a.m. Make-up registration for all students is Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 1-5 p.m.

The new school year officially begins on Thursday, Aug. 11 for all students. PHS is almost ready.