Students can learn at Maricopa Wells Middle School orientation July 30

Incoming 6th graders, along with students new to the Maricopa Unified School District in grades 7 and 8, can learn more about Maricopa Wells Middle School during a new student orientation July 30, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the school. Maricopa Wells Middle School is located at 45725 W. Honeycutt Ave.

New and returning students will find a packed school when they officially arrive for classes next month. According to Principal Stephanie Sharp, she expects some 1,250 students at the school this fall. The school was originally constructed for 850 students.

Sharp said the orientation will discuss “need to know” items such as: what a day at the middle school is like, switching classes, school rules, what to do if you have a problem, the many opportunities that students can be involved in at the school, and more. During Monday’s program, students will be able to visit their tentative classrooms and meet some of the school’s staff.

“The benefit of orientation is to help our new students to meet some friends, become at ease with their new school, and mostly to alleviate any fears and concerns our students/parents may have about this new educational adventure,” Sharp said.

As for changes to the school this fall, Sharp said the dress code has been updated, and all students will be provided with ID’s and textbooks. New classes this year will include physical education for sixth-grade students, fine arts for seventh-graders, and technology for eighth-graders. There will also be drama and advanced placement class offerings, along with math and geometry.

“We will also be having student folders for work organization and will also be using our student agenda/planners for school/home communications,” Sharp said. “We are being proactive in offering many evening activities to our students, and approaching behavior/discipline from a positive perspective,” Sharp added. The school will also be adding more staff for mentoring opportunities and club offerings.

For further information on Monday’s orientation, call 568-7100.