Lynn kids get a glimpse of their Classical future

LYNN-Eighth graders from Breed and Pickering middle schools got a look at the building where they could potentially spend the next four years last week, even as parts of Classical High School remain partially off limits due to construction.With the freshman wing of the school nearly complete and work set to begin on the administrative area soon, eighth graders took tours of the school during class time on Wednesday and Thursday of last week so they could see the school in action.The beginning of the 2009-10 school year will mark the first time in two years that freshman will attend class on the school’s O’Callaghan Way campus.Due to structural damage in the school’s freshman wing, those 9th graders have been attending class at the Classical Freshman Academy on North Common Street while renovations take place.While freshman will be back on the main campus next year, the school’s administration is hoping to somehow recreate what has been an extremely successful freshman academy model.Classical Principal Warren White invited eighth graders to come and learn about the school’s curriculum, activities and recent good news, while high school students led their future classmates through the halls on guided tours.Eighth graders also received informative brochures, attended a concert by the Classical Chorus and learned about the mission of the school from upperclassmen who led them through classrooms.After a brief information session, the Classical guidance staff then paired groups of eighth graders with tour guides who answered questions and calmed concerns about high school.Classical guidance councilors who organized the event included Donna Doucette, Amy Dunn, Fran Khuon and Jessica Toomey.Student volunteers and tour guides were Bumi Atewologun, Jeremy Dorson, Ed Cabrera, Crystal Castillo, Wiselene Dorceus, Abby Field, Brianna Garrity, Tyler Gioachini, Roger Khun, Brian Kolodziej, Nikki Kourembanas, Chris Lewis, Felicia Marston, Nikki Plessas, Yahaira Rivera, Jomaira Sala, Jill Toner and Kayla Walleston.The event was also videotaped by Jason Scurio and Michael Duggan.