Knowing how intimidating the transition from junior high to high school can be, Lincoln-Way High School District 210 hosted a series of informational meetings for parents of incoming freshmen.

“You’re nervous; your kids are nervous,” Superintendent Lawrence A. Wyllie told a group of parents at Lincoln-Way East recently. “When you leave here, we want you to feel a little more comfortable and a little less anxious.”

Every year, the Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education hosts a Straight Talk Breakfast with the Superintendent for parents of incoming freshmen at each school. This year’s breakfasts were held Aug. 12 at Lincoln-Way West; Aug. 17 at Lincoln-Way Central; Aug. 24 at Lincoln-Way East; and Aug. 27 at Lincoln-Way North.

Parents were treated to a hot breakfast as Wyllie shared information about the district, its expectations, school test scores, Advanced Placement classes, graduation requirements, discipline and extra-curricular activities.

He also introduced key administrators at each school, including the principal, assistant principals, pupil personnel director and student activities coordinator.

“We’re about kids and improving student achievement,” he said. “We poor every ounce of energy we have into student achievement.”

He encouraged parents to get their children involved in extra-curricular activities, such as band, choir, drama, Mathletes, athletics or chess club.

“Research tells us that the more involved a student is in extra-curricular activities, the better he does academically,” said Wyllie.

He also encouraged parents to make use of the district facilities by lap swimming in the school pools or running/walking on the indoor tracks at each school.

“They’re your facilities,” he said, “use them.”