One of the biggest differences between middle school and high school is the number of opportunities students have to explore subjects that interest them.

The Freshman Planner includes elective opportunities across English, social studies, science, business and technology, fine arts, practical arts, medical sciences, music, art, and engineering. Freshmen may have opportunities to study subjects such as astronomy, oceanography, meteorology, sociology, anthropology, video production, digital graphics, business, marketing, art, music, foods, child development, agriculture, medical terminology, engineering, and many more.

Try something new.

A class you take simply because it sounds interesting may introduce you to a hobby, college major, or career you had never considered before.

Graduation may seem far away, but the decisions students make during freshman year become part of their four-year high school record.

Central Columbia students build their academic program across four years and complete requirements in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Futures, World Language, Health, Art/Music/Engineering, Career Pathway coursework, and electives.

Students will also encounter Pennsylvania graduation requirements connected to the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams and must ultimately satisfy an approved Act 158 graduation pathway. Central Columbia's plan also includes a Senior Exit Interview later in high school.

You do not need to understand every graduation requirement on your first day of ninth grade. Your counselor will help you monitor your progress throughout high school.

The important thing is to understand that every course and every credit counts toward the bigger picture.

Freshman year counts.

The grades and credits you earn become part of your high school transcript. That transcript may eventually be reviewed by colleges, universities, technical schools, scholarship committees, military programs, training programs, and employers.

That does not mean you need to be perfect.

It means you should begin developing habits such as completing assignments, attending school consistently, communicating with teachers, preparing for assessments, monitoring grades, and seeking assistance before a small problem becomes a large one.

A difficult first marking period does not determine the rest of high school. What matters is learning how to respond, adjust, and improve.

One of the most important high school skills is self-advocacy.

In middle school, adults may have frequently reminded you about missing assignments or upcoming responsibilities. High school students are increasingly expected to take the initiative.

If you do not understand an assignment, ask.

If you are confused about a grade, talk with your teacher.

If you are struggling in a class, seek assistance early.

If something is affecting you socially or emotionally, talk with your counselor or another trusted adult.

If you are uncertain about your schedule or academic plan, contact Guidance.

Learning to communicate respectfully and ask for what you need is a skill that will help you in high school, college, employment, and adulthood.

The Guidance Office serves as a central resource for academic planning, personal and social support, and postsecondary and career planning. Counselors help students with course selection, schedules, graduation progress, testing, career exploration, college planning, transcripts, and communication between students, families, and school staff. They also provide individual and group counseling and can help connect students with additional support when needed.

For Freshmen, your counselor can be especially helpful when you have questions about:

• Academic progress

• Course selection

• Changing interests

• Career Pathways

• Adjusting to high school

• Friendships 

• Stress

• Personal concerns

• College and career exploration

• or simply figuring out where to go for help

You do not need to have a "big problem" to talk with your counselor.

Sometimes a simple conversation can prevent a small concern from becoming a larger one.

Your teachers want you to be successful, but they cannot help with a problem they do not know exists.

Get into the habit of communicating directly with teachers. Ask questions during class, seek clarification when needed, and talk with your teacher if you begin struggling.

One of the best habits a freshman can develop is:

Ask for help early, not after you are already overwhelmed.

High school is about much more than earning credits.

Consider joining clubs, athletics, chorus, band, student organizations, activities, service opportunities, or other programs that interest you.

Getting involved can help you meet new people, develop leadership skills, feel more connected to school, discover interests, and build experiences that may eventually strengthen college, scholarship, and employment applications.

You do not need to participate in everything.

Find one or two things that make school feel like your school.

Academic success and personal wellness are connected.

High school students are balancing classes, activities, athletics, friendships, family responsibilities, jobs, technology, and increasingly important decisions about their future.

Pay attention to your sleep, stress level, relationships, physical activity, and overall well-being.

If something does not feel right, talk to someone.

Your school counselor and other members of the school support team are available to help with academic concerns as well as personal, social, mental-health, and adjustment concerns.