CARY - Incoming freshmen flowed through the halls of Cary High School last week, guided by administrators, teachers and upperclassmen who donned bright green shirts. That cast of characters hasn't changed in the years Cary High has held ninth-grade orientation.

But this year, a new troupe of players was increasingly visible: parents.

"Learn, meet new people, ask questions," Principal Doug Thilman said to a group of parents and students that had gathered in the school's auditorium. "Make sure nothing in your mind is left unasked."

To varying degrees, Wake County high schools are trying to provide more comprehensive orientations that invite parents to ask questions and address concerns.

Cary High, for example, is taking a page from the college playbook, inviting parents to roam the grounds with their children. The 2009-10 school year is the second year that parents were invited to the school's freshman orientation. About 350 students and 250 parents registered to attend the morning and afternoon sessions.

"We know parents are as frightened as students by what's about to happen," said Teresa Pierrie, principal of Wake Early College of Health & Sciences, who worked to secure grant funds about five years ago to help high school principals ease the transition between middle and high schools.

"As students enter high school, the opportunity for parent involvement decreases," she added. "So we can show them the plethora of services available. 'Here's who you need to talk with; here are the resources you need.' "

By attending Cary High's orientation, parents were able to get acquainted with teachers and build relationships administrators, which will help them track the progress of their children, said Elaine Rogers, ninth grade assistant principal. "We don't want them to wait to set up conferences."

And this year's transition will be particularly daunting for many students. It's the second year ninth graders will attend school on the high school campus instead of the ninth grade center at East Cary Middle School. Many of the core ninth grade classes are held on the third floor of the 2-year-old 2000 building, and Rogers and the ninth grade counselor have offices there, too.

"Every school has its own dynamic, and it helps to know what's expected," said Helen Alberse, who has two children that will be attending Cary High beginning Aug. 25. She read over her packet of information in the lobby amidst displays for the debate club, the environmental club and the Muslim Student Association.

Daniela Camacho, 15, took note of each building and looked forward to the start of school.

"It will be good to start the new year with new people," she said. She can't wait to get involved in the school newspaper.

Senior and student council treasurer Channing Dyson thinks the freshman will get a good start. When she was in ninth grade, she attended the ninth grade center but missed out on some of the school involvement on campus.

"I would have been more connected if I'd been on campus," she said. "They will have some great opportunities to get to work on dances and fundraisers and on floats for the Cary Day Parade."

Back in the auditorium, Thilman preached on. "This will be the best four years of your life," he told the group.

And, for more parents, they'll know a little more about what to expect out of the first one.