Buses deposited 132 eighth graders at Community High School (CHS) for a special event. Connect with Community was an opportunity for all admitted lottery applicants to ask last-minute questions and experience high school “classes”.

After being assembled in the Craft Theater, the incoming students were brought in groups to different classrooms, where current students and teachers simulated forums before walking them to their “classes.”

Additional staff and students led group activities during the “class” time. Personal fitness and FOS (Foundations of Science) were among the classes that incoming freshmen were exposed to. After the activities, students returned to their “forum” groups to wrap up the visit and get answers to any last questions.

Slauson Middle School eighth-grader, Eva Vloet, was among the visiting students.

“I learned what it’s like to be in the classes and how friendly everyone is,” Vloet said. “I liked that it’s a very open school that really just makes you feel welcome. After I came today and learned more about the classes and forums, it made me feel even better.”

Vloet entered the lottery to have options when it came to high school selection. She was eager to see Community’s differences and gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a CHS student. 

Neil Carlin was also interested to see what the CHS atmosphere was like after entering the lottery. They are an eighth-grader at Forsythe who plans on attending CHS next year.

“I originally entered the Community lottery with only an academic perspective in mind, and I had little to no idea what the environment was going to be like from a social standpoint,” Carlin said. “I was really glad to get to visit Community, as it gave me a look into not only what the building and classes were like, but I also got to meet people who could guide me throughout the next four years.”

Carlin and Vloet agree that Connect with Community was a valuable and fun event for incoming students to experience the school.

“It was a great experience, and I can’t wait to continue next year.” Carlin said.