It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that the McLean and Langley classes of 2012 donned cap and gown and walked across the stage to receive their diplomas at Constitution Hall.

In fact, though, those ceremonies were held more than two months ago. The Fourth of July is long gone. Labor Day is upon us. And all this is just to say that "back to school" time is here.

In advance of the official first day of school on Tuesday, the new freshman classes at both local high schools will attend freshmen orientation this week - an opportunity to practice locker combinations, figure out where the cafeteria is and get class schedules.

Langley High School's freshman orientation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday. McLean High School's freshman "fling" will start at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.