As second semester steadily moves forward, eighth graders who will attend De Soto High School in the fall are starting to prepare for the new adjustment.

Already, schedule guides have been passed out to all eighth graders, and important decisions are starting to be made about what classes students will take. In order to inform students as much as possible, DHS hosts an eighth grade information night where parents and incoming freshman can learn about their schedule choices and the different clubs they are able to join.

Junior Kennedy Higgins, who ran the volleyball booth, believes this night helps make the transition as smooth as possible for freshman.

“I remember when I showed up to freshman night, I was clueless about DHS and super nervous,” Higgins said. “The eighth grade night really helped me feel better about coming to high school.”

This night also helps sell the different activities to the incoming freshman, expanding the cultural of involvement at DHS. Junior Tyler Barkemeyer, who ran the basketball table, says that this night is just as beneficial for the people already at DHS.

“Lots of activities are losing a lot of seniors this year, and this night helps activities get the word out,” Barkemeyer said. “Without nights like these, new kids might not even know something they’re interested in exists.”

Although each eighth grade night takes a lot of planning and time, the feeling of security and interest the incoming freshman receive is well worth it.