XENIA — Warner Middle School is hosting an open house on Thursday, March 9.

The open house — for current fifth-grade students and their families — will focus on students who will be entering sixth-grade in the fall.

According to school officials, the open house will allow students to begin the transition process to middle school and help calm the nerves of the students associated with the change next school year.

“We want our current fifth graders to be excited about entering the sixth grade,” said Principal Ted Holop.

Due to the construction of the new middle school, parking is limited and there will be allocated times for each elementary to come and visit.

The scheduled visiting time for each elementary are: Tecumseh and McKinley, 4-4:30 p.m.; Cox and Shawnee, 5-5:30 p.m.; and Arrowood, 6-6:30 p.m.

Because of the schedule, there will not be a formal talk with parents and students in the gym as was the procedure in the past.

Families are asked to enter through one of three marked entries and tour the school, visit and meet sixth grade and exploratory teachers, and try an instrument in the band room. Cookies and refreshments will be available in the main lobby, where the counselor and principals will be greeting families.

Families should arrive no more than 10 minutes before their designated school time to allow for parking spots to open. For more information, call 937-376-9488.

Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.