Frequently Asked Questions for 9th Graders
Q: Is it super easy to get lost?
LHS is a big school and has 4 different buildings so it can feel confusing. It won't take you long to find your way around! Check out this virtual tour - there is also a map there. It only takes a day or two to get to know where everything is.
There are 4 buildings, they are labeled outside, and they are grouped (for the most part) by subject area. Check out this list of room numbers and the buildings they are in:
100 (first floor) and 200 (second floor) - Arts and Humanities building
{The Gym, Commons, Auditorium, Nurse's Office, Library, Registrar, and the Main Office are also in this building.}
300 (1st floor) and 400 (2nd floor) - Science
500 (1st floor) and 600 (2nd floor) - World languages
700 (1st floor) and 800 (2nd floor) - Math
The deans offices, counseling offices (or pods) and special education resource rooms are located throughout all four buildings.
Q: How much passing time will there be? Is it hard to get from building to building on time?
A: Passing time varies from year to year, but typically you will have 5-10 minutes built in for passing time. It's most difficult to get from one end of campus to the other. The good news is teachers understand what it's like and many teachers in the math building, in particular, will give you an extra minute or two since it is so far out on campus!
Q: How much homework will be given? How demanding is the homework and how long does it take? How do you balance your schedule?
Homework amounts depend on the course. We strongly encourage students to work with their counselors and other trusted adults to reflect on the time commitments of courses and extracurriculars when making decisions around courses. Being mindful of these time commitments and how they fit into a day in which one needs at least 8 hours of sleep and time for meals and down-time is important.
Q: How do classes work?
Objectives and agendas for the classes are posted. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to support student learning. You'll see small classes and bigger classes. There will be lots of student-centered work where teachers are asking students to work together to solve problems.
Q: How many buildings are there? Which building is which? How many teachers per building?
There are 4 buildings at LHS. The buildings are labeled outside. The number of teachers per building varies, but they are grouped (for the most part) by subject area.
Q: Where are the different classes?
World Language and health classes are held in the World Language Building. Math classes and Learning Center (for math and humanities) are in the Math Building. Science classes and science skills support are held in the Science Building. English, History, PE, Art and Music classes are held in the main building (also known as the Arts & Humanities building). The deans offices, counseling offices (or pods) and special education resource rooms are located throughout all four buildings.
Q: How long is lunch, and how many different lunches are there?
Lunch is 30 minutes. There are 3 different lunches and two different lunchrooms, which we call "commons". Students can choose to get their food and eat at either of the two commons or outside in the quad when the weather is nice.
Q: Will I have classes with upperclassmen? What are the chances you have a class with an upperclassman?
Your core classes will not have upperclassmen in them. Electives could potentially have older students enrolled. Chances are you'll have at least one class with upperclassmen. As one of the students noted in the video, the upperclassmen are really nice! There is no need to be worried about them. In fact, many students develop really strong friendships with older students and are very sad when they graduate!
Q: Is it easy to understand the schedule? How can you figure out your classes properly after break or after the weekend?
The schedule takes some time to get used to, but we provide support to help you to understand it in homeroom on your very first day and throughout the start of the school year. Teachers post schedules in places that are easily accessible and throughout campus you'll see TV's that post announcements which include the day and schedule to follow!
Q: What is the biggest difference between middle school and high school when it comes to academics?
Academics "count" at high school. In order to graduate you need to acquire 104 credits and you need to take classes in the various cluster requirements, or subject areas such as math, science, and world language. Check out the Program of Studies under the Student tab on the LHS website.
Q: Will there be any information about fall sport team try-outs?
Ms. Martin, the Athletic Director, will send out information regarding fall sports. Check out the athletics twitter account @LexMinutemenAth for updates there too!
Q: Where do I find information about joining clubs or sports?
Early on in the school year, there is an activities fair at LHS. It's a great day where students can sign up to get information about various clubs and activities they might be interested in joining. We make sure all 9th grade students get to go to the activities fair! Ms. Martin in the Athletics Office near the gym can answer any questions about athletics. There are also athletics evenings at the start of each season that are important to attend for athletes interested in participating.
Q: What is I-Block used for and how does it work?
I Block is for enrichment, extra help or general work completion. Some students meet regularly with their teachers during I Block. Others may choose to work in small groups on an assignment. Sometimes clubs or other activities meet during I Block. Check out this video about I Block from one of our upperclassmen.
Q: How am I going to get around and through the halls with all of the people?
In more typical times, when COVID-19 was not an issue, the halls certainly could become crowded. Students managed to get through the congestion by strategies such as taking alternate routes.
Q: I wonder how the classes and teams work at LHS and if it is similar to middle school. Do we have academic teams like we did in MS?
Teams are a bit different at LHS. Each student has a dean, counselor, social worker and nurse team. Beyond that, each freshman has a homeroom teacher that will stay with them for four years. In addition, those students will all be placed together in their English and social studies courses in 9th grade. They will be a consistent cohort for those classes throughout the year but may take electives on their own with other students.
Q: What is a normal day at LHS like?
The schedule has six class periods per day. Within the schedule is a 30 minute lunch for each student. 9th and 10th grade students will be in a study hall when not in class or at lunch.
Q: What kind of food do you have?
There is a big fan club for the quesadillas and burritos. The guacamole is truly outstanding! There are lots of options daily - hot food, pizza, salad bar, the grill and more. We think you will really like the options. There are also items out in the morning for breakfast including oatmeal, hot chocolate, muffins and fruit. Finally, there is a grab 'n go section in the commons where you can swing by to pick up a snack!
Q: How do teachers help high-achieving but very stressed students? What are some useful tips or ideas to help deal with stress?
Teachers try to make themselves available so students can let them know if or when they are overwhelmed or stressed. Teachers have also been working on noticing signs when students look like they might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed in the classroom and are trying to check in with students. Depending on the cause of the stress, teachers can work with students around making adjustments to things happening in the classroom or with assignments.
In addition, counselors are a great resource to help students who are stressed. We strongly suggest finding an adult at school you can connect with. We have also been working with students on mindfulness strategies and finding balance in their course selection and activities. Here is the Counseling Department website. Take a look!
Also, check out this video of one of our upperclassmen with great ideas for how to use I Block to reduce stress.
Q: Is the work much harder?
The work grows with students as they grow, if that makes sense. Our expectations increase as students gain skills and can take on the next learning challenge. We always provide support as needed, though, so it's important to reach out if you are feeling like something is too challenging. I Block is a great time to check in with your teacher.
Q: How much academic pressure/ stress is there?
There is academic stress. The goal is to manage it and to determine how much of it is the right amount for you. Some level of stress is good, otherwise students will underperform. On the other hand, too much stress is not good. We're always working on finding the right balance, both students and adults at LHS.
Q: Is it possible to do summer work for school next year?
School starts in the fall. We encourage students to take a break in the summer. There are some optional summer assignments for incoming 9th grade students. Check out the Academics Tab on the LHS website for more information from each department.
Q: What are the best ways to get to know upperclassmen?
Get involved in clubs and activities, athletics, and music programs!
Q: Where do the buses pick up/drop off students?
Buses pick up and drop off students in the front circle near the flagpole. Be sure to know your bus number before the first day of school. In case you forget, deans will be outside with lists. The buses are not in number order, so it takes some time to figure out where your bus usually is in line. You'll get it, though!
Q: Since school will end at 3:10 next year, when will after school sports practices (like cross country) end?
Each team has practices and games at various schedules. The best resource will be the Athletics office. Check it out! Coaches will have ways of communicating with you directly as well.
Q: Is the grouping of teams random and do we do most things with our teams if we have them?
Teams are grouped randomly. One common exception is that students with older siblings that have attended LHS are typically placed (if possible) with the same counselor as their older sibling. You will have homeroom, English and social studies class with the same group of students during your first year.
Q: What were students' biggest fears when they started 9th grade, and how did they turn out? Were the problems actually as impactful as the students initially thought?
The peer leaders and mentors do a great job of answering these questions in the Step Up Day video they created. Check it out here!
Q: How much sleep should I get at night?
We advise students to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night that are needed to perform at your best!
Q: Do I have to use the school issued chromebook or can I bring my own device?
We ask that you use the school issued device while on campus.
Q: How do I deal with overwhelming feelings about starting high school?
Use your resources. Connect with middle school educators and trusted adults outside of school. Ask questions now and when you arrive at LHS as more knowledge helps us to feel more comfortable. Most importantly, believe in yourself and don’t expect the transition to be perfect. We remind 9th graders at the start of every year that mistakes are how we grow! They’re essential and we all will stumble now and then. You will be able to handle it and will grow during your time here! We’re really looking forward to supporting you in the transition.
Q: What is the best way you have ever heard that LHS has changed a student's life?
A lot of educators at LHS would answer this question in a lot of different ways. When a graduate says they're happy where they are in life and are thankful for the support they received when they were at LHS (even when they were maybe making a bad decision!), we know we have had a positive impact. How lucky we are as educators to get to share in those experiences with students. We look forward to hopefully having a positive impact on your lives and we mostly look forward to seeing how you make your own change in your life and the lives of others.
Q: I don’t have any (questions) for now, but I will in the future. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE WELCOME VIDEO! I do feel very excited now and not so scared anymore!
You're Welcome! We're very glad to hear we've been able to reduce some worries. :)