Saint Mary's Opens the New School Year

Timid freshmen arrived at a foggy campus early Monday morning to start their high school careers at Saint Mary's High in Berkeley.  In truth, the members of the Class of 2017 are already very familiar with the Peralta Park campus and with one another, after campus visits and tours as eighth graders, Open House, interview night, class orientation last spring, and for some, the recent summer school program.  Three summer family picnics - in Albany, Oakland, and Pinole - further cemented the class spirit that's already evident.  The class hails from many area Catholic, public, and private schools.  The new students are being guided around campus today by junior and senior class hosts, and are getting familiar with classroom rotations, schedules, first-time use of iPads for school, and more.  Berkeley's iconic Top Dog catering truck is providing a special first-day lunch.  Sophs, juniors, and seniors will hold orientations later in the week, and new parent night is set for Tuesday, August 27.  The first full day of classes is September 3 and Back to School Night for all parents is September 5.  Saint Mary's welcomes the Class of 2017 to the school's 151st year!