There was no official attendance taken, but it appears a near-record number of students attended a prior to school open house at American Fork Junior High School last week.

"My assistant says this is the busiest we have ever been," he said.

"We have close to 1,600 students this year," he said. "School is starting a little earlier than usual. We did online registration. I think a lot of students are coming to meet their teachers. We have had a good steady flow all night. It has been very positive."

Students and their parents were able to find the schedules, teachers and room numbers. They could go to each room and meet the teachers to get a feel for their plans for the year. They could pay fees, join the PTSA, check their lunch schedules and other tasks.

One which was often performed was checking lockers and combinations.

Lance Jones was a seventh grade student who had to try several times to get his to open. The former Legacy Elementary School student found the right way to twist the dial and succeeded, ready for the first day of seventh grade on Friday.

"I have met two of my teachers and have gone to all the classrooms," he said.

Another seventh grade student in attendance was Ashley Harding, the oldest in her family. She commented on the number of people at the school.

"It's crazy here tonight," she said. "Holy cow."

"My locker didn't work today, but it has before," she said. She explained that she had tried it earlier when she came to the school to change some classes. She said she enjoyed coming to the school and finding some of her friends.

"I have seen some friends and that was fun," she said. "I like the idea of seventh grade day. I am so glad they are doing that."

Matthew Hunsaker, a seventh grade student coming in from Shelley, said he was looking forward to his classes.

"They are cool ones," he said. He has high hopes for careers and technical engineering to be his favorite.