The first step for newly registered students and their families begins at Orientation, where ETHS staff provide an introduction to the high school and counselors provide an overview of the academic experience.

Orientation for incoming freshmen and new transfer students (grades 10-12) is scheduled as follows:

Monday, August 5

Student Last Name A–F: 9:00am                            

Student Last Name G–M:  1:00pm

Tuesday, August 6

Student Last Name N–Z: 1:00pm

Spanish Session (Student Last Name A-Z): 6:00pm (N112)

Transfer Orientation:  6:00pm (East Cafe)

Freshman Orientation Make-Up Session: 6:00pm (Auditorium)

Orientation lasts approximately three (3) hours. You are welcome to attend the make-up session if there is a scheduling conflict. If you need to hand in residency or health documents, please plan to come to the high school prior to your session. Residency is located in the Registrar's Office (S127) – enter through Entrance 2 (rear entrance).

Orientation Agenda

Welcome Session: Orientation will begin with a brief welcome session in the school auditorium where families will pick up a packet of materials. The auditorium is located in the front of the high school (Dodge Avenue, enter through Entrance 1) and is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available in the parking lot off Dodge Avenue, or as indicated by street signs along Dodge Avenue. Parking is also available in the lot behind the school. Families may enter through Entrance 2 if they choose to park in the back.

Counselor Sessions: Following the welcome session, students/parents/guardians will meet in groups to review important information with their grade-level counselor. Students will reminded of how to access their class schedules and locker assignments at this time.

Chromebook Pickup: After the counselor sessions, families will be directed to the South Technology Center (STC) where the students will bring their class schedule to receive their District-issued Chromebook and initial training on their device. Note that a parent/guardian signature will be required to pickup the Chromebook. Please review the 1:1 Digital Learning Initiative webpage for additional information, and plan to spend at least 20 minutes in the STC for this process. Those unable to pickup their Chromebook during their scheduled time can visit the STC on the Wednesday after Orientation from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Explore the High School: The orientation concludes with an opportunity for freshmen and their parents/guardians to explore the high school and become comfortable with the layout of the building. Students are encouraged to locate their lockers and try their lock combinations, walk their class schedules, and map out important locations (bathrooms, lunchrooms, libraries, etc.). ETHS Student and Parent Ambassadors will be on site throughout the building to help freshmen locate lockers and classrooms. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

During this time, stop by the Main Lobby to purchase ETHS Spirit Wear from the Boosters Club, find out about Community Service opportunities, or talk with Student Activities to learn more about ETHS clubs and organizations, and enjoy refreshments. Also, CTA Ventra Student Rider Permits will be on sale in the Student Accounts Office (H110A). 

For some Orientation Frequently Asked Questions and answers, please refer to the Orientation FAQ page.