Welcome to LHS - this site is for students who have already registered at Central Registration.
Hello Parents of the Class of 2027!
We are thrilled to welcome you to the LHS community. We look forward to getting to know you and partnering with you as your student begins high school. We asked current parents what suggestions they would give to parents of incoming 9th grade students. Here you will find some of their tips. We hope you find them helpful!
1. Try to enjoy your student’s four years at LHS. They will fly by!
2. The adults at LHS, whether they are a teacher, administrator, social worker, coach, assistant,
counselors, etc., care deeply about our children. My children have found support from and been touched by the thoughtfulness and caring of the entire LHS community. It has been a gift.
3. HIgh School is 4 years; everything does not need to be figured out in 9th grade.
4. Encourage your children to participate in extracurricular activities that they are interested in and
are FUN. If students feel stressed about academics, their activities should serve as an oasis and a positive outlet for them.
5. Please don’t worry about the small stuff. What feels like a big issue one day may quickly resolve
itself the next. Keep it all in perspective. Breathe! Practice your own self care!
6. It will take time for your child to settle in and figure out freshman year. Be patient as they
navigate and find balance between school work, activities and social time. They will hit some bumps but it is the struggles that will help them grow.
7. Encourage balance and good sleep habits, even if it means some school work doesn’t get done.
Most teachers are understanding and accommodating when students communicate struggles.
8. Help manage any student stress, try not to contribute to it. Be flexible, encourage effort and don’t
talk about college all the time.
9. Expect change, and remember not all change is bad. High school is a great time for students to
explore new things and figure out what they love and are passionate about. This is their journey!
10. Give your child a chance to “get their feet under them“ before assuming you need to step in. LHS
is a big change from middle school and the urge to step in will be hard to resist. But, most kids DO find their way and their ability to self-advocate. Having said that, don’t be intimidated by the “they’re in High School now” speeches. If you feel the need to get involved, do so. If you’re not needed, someone will definitely let you know!
11. Help your child find a passion or pursuit to get involved in at LHS, beyond the academics. Any
extracurricular activities that they enjoy will absolutely enhance their overall experience.
12. LHS has lots of built in supports that can help students and parents navigate both the academics
and social issues that may arise.
13. Encourage your child to find at least one adult (teachers, counselor, etc.) at the school whom they trust/relate to and can build a relationship with that extends beyond just one class or experience...someone who can be a resource/guide throughout their 4 years at LHS. This is invaluable.
14. Communication is always a good thing and celebrate when you teen wants to fill you in on what is
happening in their life. However, know at times your child may not want to talk. While this can be hard, know that is ok and a healthy part of becoming a young adult.
15. Give your child the space and time to "become." The high school years are a journey to early
adulthood and you can't rush it or mold it to your expectations. Be there for your child as a sounding board and supportive parent/guardian, but give them the space to make decisions, fail and succeed, and all that's in between.
16. Expect that your child may struggle in new ways when they first start at LHS. Be patient. LHS is
very different from middle school. The freshmen teachers and school counselors work hard to help 9th graders settle in and figure out ways to be successful as a student.
17. Support your students and encourage their effort and persistence. Do not focus only on grades.
18. No, each student does not necessarily get their own locker and yes, most will carry backpacks all
day.
19. Encourage your student to get to know his or her counselor early on. Establish a relationship
before the student really needs the counselor.
20. The dean’s secretaries are invaluable and know almost everything. This is a great relationship to
foster.
21. Do not start stressing about college stuff. The Counseling Department will guide you along the timeline.
22. If you have a fall athlete, make sure to check the schedule for pre season workouts and tryouts
(although it will likely be different this year).
23. Take time to explore the LHS and the LHS PTO websites – lots of great useful information! Watch
for PTO weekly newsletters & Principal Stephens newsletters- timely and important communications.
24. Believe that the faculty at LHS wants kids to succeed and to be happy!!
25. Be patient with your 9th grader. Help them navigate this big change where they are required to grow and become independent while at the same time working to discover who they are and where they fit at LHS.
26. Remember transitioning to a new school takes time- It takes time to figure out the building, make sense of the academic workload and navigating the social scene. Be mindful that this transition feels differently for each student and students still need lots of support and understanding from family- even if they seem to be pushing you away!