Brownwood High School held their 2012-2013 freshman orientation Thursday evening welcoming a very large freshman class according to Principal Bill Faircloth.
The Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center was full of parents and students for the first meeting.
“It’s great when you have so many parents attending, then we know we are all on the same page” said Faircloth. “There are 265 students in the freshman class as of today.”
He explained that this is a large class compared to the usual of about 220 that BHS welcomes each year. Of that number, there are 55 new students. This year the total student population to date is 904, with several more expected to enroll after Labor Day.
At the orientation, Faircloth and Assistant Principal Andy Gill welcomed students and gave an overview of school rules and information. Faircloth explained to students that attendance is very important and that the maximum allowed absences (according to state law) are 9, and that credit can be denied at 10 absences.
Gill spoke briefly regarding the student issued computers. This year, BISD incoming freshmen will be issued MacBook Air laptops; however the school has not yet received the necessary number of computers for all students.
“Not all computers are here, we are waiting on a grant that we have applied for,” said Gill who explained that about 70% of the needed computers have been received by the school, but that they are short about 90 for the class. To be fair to all students, the school decided to wait and issue the laptops when all were available, which at the latest, Gill explained, could be the third week of school.
Faircloth also invited parents to be involved with their student’s school experience. He explained that parents may come to the school to receive an ID to use TX Gradebook, which is an online way to view grades as well as student absences. Parents are encouraged to visit the school said Faircloth.
“Parents are always welcome. I have an open door policy, parents can visit anytime with questions or concerns about their students,” said Faircloth. “We consider it a privilege to work with your students. We want this to be a positive experience.”
The first day of school is set for Monday, August 27th.
Pictured above are some freshmen waiting in line to receive their schedules on Thursday.