Welcome, new Bearcats! Now that Camp Hotchkiss has come to a close and the school year is in full swing, your days will be spent in the classroom.

But don’t fret: a wave of exciting traditions, clubs, dances, and memories are coming your way.

Get your poster supplies ready, because a lineup of dances awaits! Homecoming, or Hoco (September 27!), calls for fancy dress, and there is a student-chosen theme for decorations; this year’s theme is Mamma Mia.

The Halloween Dance is organized by the Lower Mid class; show up in your scariest costumes! Blue & White traditionally calls for girls to ask guys. It’s also slightly more formal than Homecoming.

The Glow Dance and Valentine’s Day Dance are more accurately described as “raves.” Seniors, Upper Mids, and Lower Mids often wear neon mesh dresses to the Glow Dance, but these outfits are banned for Preps (you’ll find that seniority is a big deal on campus).

My favorite dance has to be Spring Fling. Everyone shows up in vibrant floral dresses or linen shirts and pastel shorts.

Last, but most definitely not least, is Senior Dance. It’s the last dance of the year, and each Senior can bring one plus-one. Held at our very own Fairfield Farm, Senior Dance is infamous for the drama and the memories.

You’ll get to know the Hotchkiss lingo pretty quickly. Firstly, we’ve got our unique grade nomenclature. While seniors are just called Seniors, freshmen are “Preps,” sophomores are “Lower Mids,” and juniors are “Upper Mids.” There’s also a well-known phenomenon coined “Hotchkiss Rule.” Any time you mention a Hotchkiss person—no matter where you are on campus, or even if you’re off campus—that person magically appears. Don’t ask me how—it just happens!

But be careful, because you might accidentally summon your “scheme!” A “scheme” is someone you’re interested in, but don’t technically have a crush on.

I’m sure you want to meet people, explore hobbies, deepen passions, and have something to do in the evenings. If so, I hope you stopped by Clubs Fair last Saturday!

Clubs are at the heart of campus life—not just for the events and activities they organize, but for the energy they bring to the community. Walk down the halls around 7:00 p.m. and you’ll find classrooms buzzing with meetings, full of students ready to welcome new members.

Some of the most popular clubs include St. Luke’s (community service), SEA (Students for Environmental Action), various affinity spaces and publications, and so much more. (Note from the Opinions Editors: The Record is the coolest club).

Sign up for anything you’re interested in! You could discover a new passion, meet a life-long friend, or just eat some pizza and enjoy good conversation.

It might feel like there’s something happening every waking moment, and you shouldn’t feel pressure to participate in everything.

Here’s one last thing to keep an eye out for: Spirit Week! Spirit Week is the run-up to Taft Day (mid-November), where we compete against our greatest rival. Each day has a dress-up theme, from “Country vs. Country Club” to “Twin Day.” The Pep Rally is on Wednesday night—a spectacle of dance team performances you will regret skipping—and the burning of the rhino, Taft’s mascot, happens on Friday before Saturday’s big competition.

I know it can be scary living in a new environment, but there’s so much to look forward to at Hotchkiss. We’ve all been exactly where you are, and trust me, you’ll be a Lakeville local in no time!