By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Ninth-graders and new students entering Alabaster’s Thompson High School this fall will have a chance to get acquainted with the school during an upcoming freshman orientation event.

The orientation will be held at the school on Tuesday, Aug. 8, which is one day before the first day of classes.

“This is not a required event, but we do believe that your child will greatly benefit from the opportunity,” read an email sent to parents. “Due to the nature of the activities, this is designed for students only.”

The orientation will begin at 7:45 a.m., and will last until 2:30 p.m. Doors to the school lobby will open at 7:30 a.m.

THS will provide lunch for the students at 11:30 a.m., consisting of pizza, chips, cookies and bottled water. Children with dietary restrictions are encouraged to bring their own lunch, according to the school.

During the event, teachers will help students locate their classrooms, important areas such as the media center and cafeteria and plan routes to their classes.

“Students are encouraged to bring the schedules they received at schedule pickup,” read the email. “However, we will have copies for those who forget.”

Students who attend the event should wear school-appropriate shorts and T-shirts, as the event will include activities, according to the school.

For more information about the orientation, contact event organizer Janelle Billings at Janelle.billings@acsboe.org.