Eighth grade students and parents from two local middle schools visited the campus on Wednesday evening to learn about the different clubs and programs the school offers.

High school students involved in various activities attended the event to provide information about their programs.

Junior and Dual Credit Spanish 4 student Alec Suarez represented the Spanish program and answered parents’ questions about the next steps for their students in their foreign language classes.

“It actually changed from middle school to middle school,” he said. “At Smithson Valley Middle School, you can only take Spanish 1 your eighth grade year, but at Spring Branch, you can be in an immersion program and have done Honors Spanish 2 by eighth grade year.”

In addition to the Spanish program, all core subjects were present as well as clubs and organizations such as Family and Community Services, debate, theater, fashion design and more.

“They seemed very excited about the opportunity to be a mentor and give back to their community,” FACS sponsor Aubrie Herring said. “(This event) provides a bridge for teachers and parents to talk, ask questions and make clarifications about the many opportunities SV has to offer their students.”

SBMS eighth grader Norah Loveless says hearing about the different programs the school helped her feel more prepared for freshman year.

“It’s definitely a little stressful knowing I’m going to high school next year,” she said, “but it was beneficial to hear about the programs while having my mom with me.”

Suarez believes it’s important to hold events like these so students can make more informed decisions when it comes to course selection.

“It really shows the parents what their kids could possibly take, especially if they are unsure,” he said. “It’s kind of like a roadmap, which is really important because it can make the students feel more prepared before the school year even starts.”