FERRIDAY — The summer academic break is quickly coming to an end, and Ferriday High School students began to realize Friday.

Incoming ninth graders got their dose of back-to-school orientation Friday, and seniors took part in what will be the last back to school prep session of their high school careers Monday.

Students entering their sophomore and junior years will have orientation from 5-7 p.m. today.

For incoming freshman Darius Smith, high school represents a chance to have more of a social life through athletics.

“I wish basketball season would hurry up and start,” Smith said. “And football.”

And for senior Christina Turner, going back to school is one step closer to a long awaited award.

“I’m about to get a job, take my four classes and graduate,” Turner said. “I never thought it would get here.”

Senior April Montgomery agreed.

“I’m ready for college,” she said.

This is the first year Ferriday High has had an orientation program, and in the sessions that have already been completed parents have asked a lot of questions, Principal Michelle Bethea said.

“I took that as something positive, that parents wanted to know what their students could do to get ready for school,” Bethea said. “A lot of times parents ask questions kids don’t ask.”

Some of the issues that will be addressed will include scheduling, supplies and dress code.

“We will be showing our students the proper way to wear the uniforms, things they can do to lessen the distraction in the classroom,” Bethea said.

Other topics that will be addressed will include how parents can set up conferences with teachers, how to keep a student from getting behind and what to do if a student does get behind.

“We will talk about anything we can do to help our kids,” Bethea said.

The school asks parents to bring copies of their child’s birth certificate, social security card, a copy of their own driver’s license and two copies of bills proving their physical address, Guidance Counselor Gloria Pipes said.

“If the child is just staying with them, the adult has to have guardianship, and they also have to have the student’s social security card,” Pipes said.

School will begin Aug. 11.