Byron Center West Middle School eighth-graders Kiersten Woudstra and Janelle Baar had some advice for incoming seventh graders while helping them check in at orientation day.
“I think they will do good, but maybe have some trouble with the lockers,” Kiersten said.
“I would say ‘ask’,” said Janelle. “Everybody here is so nice; they’ll help you with what you need.” 
New seventh-graders spent a morning getting the butterflies out at “Jitters Day”, where they met teachers, Principal John Krajewski, and learned their way around the school.
Perhaps most exciting, they got to pick up their MacBook Air laptops. The district is starting the second year of its 1:1 laptop program for seventh-twelfth grades.
Seventh grader Kaitlyn Koster said having four minute between classes is a little nerve-wracking.
“I’m kind of afraid I’ll get lost,” she said.
Krajewski said the transition from sixth- to seventh-grade is a big one, and students have to get used to a six-period day and the amount of rigor required in classes.
“We want to relieve their anxiety, show them it’s a safe place but with the bar set high,” he said.
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