Orientation Night
Welcome to Orientation Night at CTC!
Student/Parent Orientation Night
📅 Monday, August 18
🕓 4 to 7 p.m.
📍 Springfield-Clark CTC
Starting at a new school is a big deal — and we know it comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, and a lot of questions. That’s exactly why Orientation Night exists. It's your chance to explore campus, meet your instructors and support staff, and get everything you need to feel Career Ready, College Ready, and Life Ready on day one.
We can’t wait to welcome you into the CTC family — let’s get READY for an amazing year together!
Who Should Attend?
✅ All NEW students
✅ Last year's Jaguar Academy students
✅ Students starting a new career-tech program (even if they attended CTC last year)
👉 Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend with their student!
Returning students who are staying in the same program do not need to attend — unless they were in Jaguar Academy last year or are switching to a new program.
✅ Last year's Jaguar Academy students
✅ Students starting a new career-tech program (even if they attended CTC last year)
👉 Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend with their student!
Returning students who are staying in the same program do not need to attend — unless they were in Jaguar Academy last year or are switching to a new program.
What to Expect
Orientation Night is a drop-in event — come when it works best for your family, but be sure to allow enough time to visit all the stations. This year’s incoming class is one of our largest yet, so arriving earlier in the evening may help you avoid peak crowds.
You’ll move through campus at your own pace, checking off items like picking up your schedule, visiting your lab, meeting staff, and attending a quick info session called Jaguar Jumpstart — a must-attend session where you’ll learn what makes CTC unique, from uniforms to daily expectations.
⏱️ Heads-up: The longest lines are usually at the Student ID Photo and Fee Payment stations. To save time, we strongly recommend completing all “Get Set Up” tasks before you arrive — things like FinalForms, PaySchools, and ParentSquare can be done online in advance.
🗺️ Finding Your Way: CTC’s campus includes seven buildings — and yes, it can feel a little like a maze at first. But you’re not alone! Look for students stationed in hallways and at key doors.
- Students in red jackets 🔴 These are our amazing SkillsUSA students! You'll learn more about SkillsUSA and other Career-Tech Student Organizations early in the school year from your career-tech lab instructor.
- Students in blue polos 🔵 Say hi to our Student Ambassadors!
Get Setup
Save time by checking off a few must-dos now. This is where you’ll complete important paperwork, log into school systems, and take care of things like fees and food service. Several of these can even be done before Orientation Night (just follow the links) — and trust us, future you will thank you!
☐ Complete student information forms in FinalForms
☐ Setup student's PaySchools account
☐ Add funds to student's meal account in PaySchools
☐ Pay student fees via PaySchools Fees may not appear until we get closer to Orientation Night.
☐ Learn about Fee Assistance
☐ Get photo taken for Student ID Must be taken at Orientation Night
Get Oriented
Pick up your schedule, visit your career-tech lab, and walk through your day so you know exactly where to go. You’ll meet your instructors, see your space, and feel more confident about starting school.
☐ Sign-in at your career-tech lab
☐ Pick up your schedule from your career-tech lab
☐ Walk your class schedule
☐ Find the Main Office
☐ Find the Attendance Office and Guidance Office
Get Connected
Orientation is the perfect time to connect with counselors, CTC staff, and your future support system. We’re here for you — from day one to convocation.
☐ Attend a Jaguar Jumpstart session
☐ Setup your ParentSquare and StudentSquare accounts
☐ Meet your school counselor
☐ Meet the school nurse and drop off medications
☐ Grab a selfie with CTC's mascot, Jasper the Jaguar
Jaguar Jumpstart Sessions
This must-attend session is where you’ll learn what makes CTC unique, from uniforms, to cell phone policies, to daily expectations.
These 25-minute information sessions will be in the Cafeteria at:
- 4:15 p.m.
- 5 p.m.
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m
This evening is all about helping you feel confident and READY to start your CTC journey. The Jaguar Jumpstart session is an important part of it - don’t miss it!
Food Trucks Are Coming to Orientation Night!
Come for the schedule… stay for the snacks
Whether you're grabbing a bite before you explore or celebrating after you’ve checked everything off your list, we've got tasty options waiting outside!
🕓 4:00–7:00 PM
💵 Bring cash or card — vendors vary
📍 Located in the Bus Circle
Participating Food Trucks
*Food trucks are proudly operated by CTC Alumni!
Orientation Checklist - Your Guide to a Successful Start
