8th Grade Parent Information

8th Grade Parents are welcome to attend either date below.  These dates are before counselors visit the schools for 9th Grade Registration.  Dr. Rafter will be giving a presentation to parents explaining the course selection process for their students, as well as things to think about as their students embark on their high school career. This presentation is for parents only:

• At Orchard Hills School - 3/16/26 @ 6pm
• At Pioneer Middle School - 3/17/26 @ 6pm

Link to 8th Grade Parent Presentation

We invite you to form a partnership with Beckman High School and actively participate in the education of your child. To learn more about Beckman High School, we encourage you to attend our 8th Grade Parent Night on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026. The night’s program is highlighted by several breakout sessions designed to provide you with specific information about the various programs that support our school’s continued vision of achievement in the FOUR A’s (Academics, Athletics, Activities, and the Arts). Administrators and counselors will explain the college preparatory programs, enrollment and registration process and graduation requirements, while directors, coordinators, coaches, advisors and teachers will speak about specific programs they lead. It is a great night to learn and ask questions about all of Beckman’s programs

All sessions will begin promptly at the time indicated.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS:

1. Principal's Message (Dr. Rafter) – A general welcome with information about the school and what to think about as you and your child move through high school and the course selection process.

2. ASB/Student Government  – Parents will learn about various ways students can get involved in student government and leadership through elected and appointed positions.  There will be an overview of the ASB class and how freshmen will apply and the interview process.

3. Athletics Program – An overview of the athletic opportunities available at Beckman with information about our overall approach to athletics, tryouts, and our summer programs. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

4. AVID - An overview of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Beckman.  The session will go over the characteristics of a successful AVID student, the topics that are covered in the 4 years of the AVID elective, and the WICOR strategies that are used in the program to work towards the mission of AVID (to close the opportunity gaps and improve college and career readiness for high school students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education). VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

5. Cheer - Parents will receive information regarding the upcoming 2026-2027 BHS Cheerleading tryouts. We will discuss dates, times, program rules and policies, team commitment, and expectations for the cheer team. 

6. Counseling and Resources – Join me as we explore what a typical freshman day looks like and how your student can use their high school experience to build strengths, discover more about themselves and others, and find balance between extracurricular activities and academics. We will also cover essential high school terms, graduation requirements, and the various resources available to support student success. 

7. Dance - Parents will receive information on the new team tryout meeting. The dates, times, and how to sign up for the tryouts will be discussed. Parents will learn what the audition criteria, technical skills, team commitment and competition requirements are for the dance team. 

8. Early College – Early College is a 4-year program at Beckman where students take a set series of classes through Irvine Valley College and earn both high school and college credit.  At the completion of the 4-year program, students will have earned their high school diploma AND an associate degree from IVC. For more information, please visit our Early College page HERE.

9. Human Geography - Human Geography is an amazing way for 9th graders to be introduced to the rigors and opportunities of the AP programs offered at Beckman. Students will learn about the multiple ways that humans interact with the modern and ancient world, and how that same world influences our behaviors and interactions today. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

10. Math - This presentation will look at the various Math Pathways offered to students at Beckman, consider the differences between the Honors and CP math courses, and will lay out how to ensure your child is set up for success. 

11. Visual Arts - Join the Visual Arts teachers and learn about Photography, Graphic Design, Film, and Painting & Drawing Pathways. For more information, please visit our Arts page HERE.

12. Robotics - Parents will receive an overview of the award-winning Beckman Robotics program and our competitive VEX Robotics teams. Information will be shared regarding the program structure, time commitments, and the application process for incoming freshmen interested in designing, driving, building, and coding for competition.

13. Science - Science pathways will be discussed as well as the differences between Biology and AP Biology at the 9th grade level. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

14. Performing Arts  – Learn about the various award-winning Performing Arts programs here at Beckman.  We offer instrumental music (band and orchestra), vocal courses, and theater.

15. World Language - Parents will receive an overview of the different world languages available at Beckman High School. Topics that will be discussed include the benefits of learning a second language, required length of study, language maintenance, and the State Seal of Biliteracy. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

• Information coming soon!

Please follow this LINK to learn about Link Cru - Videos and information from last year's (Incoming 9th graders 2025-26) event will give you an idea of what to expect in July!

More details about our in-person Registration Days coming soon!

Please click HERE to access the Student Google Classroom.

> IVC Early College Program Information

> Incoming 9th Grade Parent Info Slides