Journey into FreshmAn Year

The freshmen have transitioned into high school and a new school year. This is a big change from their lives and routines in middle school. This is how the transition from middle school to high school and to the 2020-2021 school year has been.

When asked if the students liked this transition from middle school to high school they overall felt that they have much more independence in high school than what they had in middle school. Ava Greenan blatantly stated that, “in middle school you can’t do anything.”

With this independence has come different obstacles specifically because of COVID. Dr. Collins commented that this year is different because everyone is “adjusting to the changes we are all facing and overcoming trepidation we all have about current issues facing our school and learning new ways of teaching.”

The freshmen expressed many good things about transitioning from middle school to high school. They enjoy having the ability to choose their classes and hours differently from the other students. They also feel that the environment is a lot less strict, Angel Nugent remarked, “The teachers are more chill [in high school].”

Teachers of the freshman class felt that some of the best parts about teaching the freshmen are guiding them and being a positive influence to them. Coach Lee said his favorite part about teaching the freshmen is “making that initial relationship with the students as they first enter high school.”

Doctor Collins explained, similarly, that he enjoys teaching the freshmen by, “Being able to prepare the students for the next four years of high school and interacting with them on a daily basis.”

Although there are good things about the transition to high school there are also some challenges and difficulties. Freshman students are new to the building and sometimes the older high school students can pick on or tease the young freshmen. They expressed that they get called freshie and they don’t appreciate it. Coach Lee made the comment, “Realizing they are on the bottom of the totem pole is one of the challenges they will face.” This supports the freshmen’s claim to the difficulties of being new to high school.

Dallas Kyle felt that finding his way around the new school was difficult at first stating, “It is set up like a maze.”

The freshman teachers have substantial goals for their students. Dr. Collin’s goals for his students included, “Preparing them for the next step of high school by teaching them what they need to know so they are competent in their English skills. Build their confidence as learners and as individuals, help them learn and achieve goals academically and personally.”

The freshmen are altogether enjoying the transition from middle school to high school and are excited for their high school experience. Their teachers are also excited to further develop their education and their characters to become the best that they can be.