Der Eighth Grade Parents/Guardians,
It is my pleasure to write to you and share information about your child’s transition to Chatham High School. Although it may feel early, as we are not yet at the halfway point of the school year, our scheduling process begins in January.
Throughout the winter and spring, we will offer programs for incoming 9th graders and their families to support a smooth transition to high school. These programs will introduce the wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities available at CHS. Our goal is to help students and families choose an appropriate course of study and identify meaningful ways to get involved, so students can create an exceptional high school experience.
Our first orientation program is Curriculum Night, which will be held on Thursday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chatham High School auditorium. This event, intended for parents and eighth-grade students, marks the first formal step in the scheduling process. During this presentation, we will provide an overview of our academic programs and expectations, including graduation requirements, core and elective courses, and course levels. By the end of the evening, we hope you will feel well-informed and prepared to support your child in the course selection process that begins in February. When you arrive at CHS, please enter through the auditorium doors.
Our second event is 8th Grade Parent Orientation Night, a parent-only program that will take place in the spring in the high school auditorium. The first portion of this evening will focus on the CHS experience, including our schedule, available resources, and important day-to-day procedures. In the second portion, two high school students and two parents will share their perspectives on the freshman year at CHS. That same week, 8th-grade students will visit the high school during the school day for a similar student-only program. We will share more detailed information about these transition events as the dates approach.
I look forward to seeing you on January 8 and am excited to welcome your eighth grader to Chatham High School.
Sincerely,
Douglas Walker, Ph.D.
Principal