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Attention: 8th Graders!!!!

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Are you interested in getting a head start on high school and getting to know your new classmates and teachers? Do you want to know what to expect on the first day of school? Do you want to take trips around the city, play sports, or participate in the arts?

Freshman Connection is a program that will take place for the first time this summer for all incoming freshmen. Freshman Connection offers you the opportunity to get prepared for high school during the month of July. It is made up of two parts, a morning session and an afternoon session.

The first part of Freshman Connection is Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The morning session will take place in a classroom setting to help you get a feel for your new high school’s layout. You will also get to know your new teachers and counselors, so you will know who to go to if you ever need extra help or support. During this session you will learn about topics such as earning good grades, attendance, study skills, time management and goal setting as well as get a head start on learning high school Math and English to ensure you are prepared for your first year in high school.

The second part of Freshman Connection will be in the afternoons on two days a week (will vary by school) from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. During this afternoon session, you will participate in a variety of activities inside and outside your new high school. Some of the things you might do are:

To participate in Freshman Connection all you have to do is download an application (see links below – you can also get one from your school counselor), fill it out, have your parents sign it and turn it in to your counselor before April 18, 2008. Students who turn in their applications before April 18 will receive a special gift. All students who participate in Freshman Connection needing public transportation will receive a CTA 30-day fare card good for the month of July.

Download the Flyer

Read the letter sent to your parents
English (PDF) – Spanish (PDF) – Polish (PDF) – Chinese (PDF)

Download the application
English (PDF) – English (MS Word)
Spanish (PDF) – Spanish (MS Word)
Polish (PDF) – Polish (MS Word)
Chinese (PDF) – Chinese (MS Word)