WHAT: La Serna High School’s incoming ninth-graders will get a chance to preview classes, meet teachers, make new friends and learn more about the Lancer campus – their home for the next four years – on Tuesday, Aug. 14 as part of Whittier Union High School District’s Freshman First Day program.

The student orientation program will feature Link Crew student leaders, who will show freshmen the ins and outs of high school life a day before school officially begins. The program takes place annually at each Whittier Union High School District campus to help smooth students’ transition from middle to high school.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14
Opening welcome and team-building activities (8 to noon)
Lunch with students (12:10 to 12:54 p.m.)

WHERE: La Serna High School, 15301 Youngwood Drive, Whittier

DETAILS: This year, Whittier Union is welcoming 2,778 freshmen across its campuses. As part of Freshman First Day at La Serna, approximately 640 ninth-graders will participate in a series of activities hosted by the school’s Link Crew, a student mentorship program made up of upper classmen. Students will participate in a welcome assembly, team-building activities and a campus tour. Students will have the opportunity to walk through their real class schedules. All La Serna freshmen have a Link Crew class Monday through Thursday during the first semester to acclimate to school and receive support from peers. The first day of school for all students – about 11,400 this year – is Aug. 15.