Area schools are preparing for the 2010-11 year by holding orientations to allow students to see their class schedules early, visit with teachers and fill out paperwork ahead of time.

Chilton County High School will hold orientation for grades 9 and 10 next Monday, July 26 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Grades 11 and 12 will have orientation on July 27 at 6 p.m. in the same venue. Students will find out who their homeroom teachers will be and visit their classrooms to fill out paperwork normally done on the first day of school. Students can also purchase lockers for $8.

Clanton Elementary will hold an orientation session on Aug. 5, beginning with the kindergarten class at 5 p.m. Following will be first grade at 6 p.m. and second grade at 7 p.m. Principal Rebecca Threlkeld said she would prefer if students visit the school prior to orientation so their name can already be put on a class list. She said supply lists are available in the school office and at Walmart in Clanton. Class lists will be posted on the school’s front doors on July 26.

“If there are any students who are planning to attend the orientation and have not registered, please come in as quickly as possible to do so,” Threlkeld said. “That’s how we plan how many units at each grade level we need.”

Students can visit the CES office Monday-Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parents should bring their child’s birth certificate, social security card and immunization form. Threlkeld said she will be glad to answer any questions about the school including its art and music programs.

Clanton Intermediate School will hold its third grade orientation on Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fourth grade will meet on Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. and fifth grade on Aug. 5 at the same time. The school’s assistant principal and guidance counselor will speak to the students who will then visit their new homeroom teachers and classrooms to fill out necessary paperwork.

Clanton Middle School will hold registration on Aug. 6 at 12-2:30 p.m. Students will receive their class schedules and purchase lockers for $7. They can also purchase T-shirts of different varieties. Parents can also pre-pay for students’ lunches. Students will meet their teachers upon receiving their schedules.

Jemison High School will hold several orientation sessions for students next week, beginning Monday, July 26 at 6-7:30 p.m. for grade eight. Grade 12 will meet on Tuesday at 5-6:30 p.m., and grade 11 at 6:30-8 p.m. that same evening. Grade 10 will meet on Thursday, July 29 at 5-6:30 p.m. followed by grade 9 at 6:30-8 p.m. On Wednesday, July 28, JHS will hold a new student orientation from 9 a.m. to noon. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register. Students can provide family contact information as well as check-out information, which indicates who can check students out of school for illness or emergency situations. Students will also receive their class schedules at orientation, and they can purchase lockers for $10.

Jemison Middle School will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 for registration where parents can meet their teachers and parents can fill out any necessary paperwork. They are also invited to tour the new facility. Students are required to rent lockers this year at a $5 cost. They will not be allowed to carry backpacks during the day.

Jemison Elementary School will hold orientations on Aug. 3 for kindergarten at 6 p.m. and first grade at 7 p.m. They will hold orientation on Aug. 5 for second grade at 6 p.m., for third grade at 6:30 p.m. at fourth grade at 7 p.m.

Maplesville High School will hold its student orientation on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Students can drop off supplies and meet their teachers to discuss plans for the year. MHS students will be required to wear uniforms this year. They can find a list of appropriate clothing at the school office or on the school’s website at www.chilton.k12.al.us/MHS/mhsindex.htm. Students are also encouraged to be up to date on their medical shots. A school representative said those who are not may not be able to enroll.

Thorsby School will hold a new student registration meeting Aug. 2-3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. in the counselor’s office. Orientation for all students will take place on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Students can bring school supplies and purchase lockers for $10.

Isabella High School will hold a student orientation on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. for elementary students and 7 p.m. for high school students. They can drop off school supplies and pre-pay for lunches. High school students can purchase lockers for $5 and parking permits for $20. They will also receive general information about the school year and pick up their class schedules. Parents can pay their Parent Teacher Organization dues. Also, students can pay annual fees for organizations such as FCCLA, FACS and FFA.

Verbena High School administrators could not be reached for comment.