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Just a few weeks into the second semester, students are already busy. I interviewed a student from each grade and a teacher to reflect on the first half of the school year and hear about what their second semester has been like so far.
Sophomores had an unusual first year of high school. With Covid-19 precautions still in place, some found it more difficult to socialize and meet new people last year. In a way, the 2022-2023 school year has been a fresh start for many sophomores. “I think I was a little more social than I was freshman year,” said Freya, a sophomore. As for this semester, “It’s good, my classes have gotten a little harder but they’re mostly the same.” Freya’s favorite class is ceramics.
In their first ever high school finals, freshman were feeling the heat. “Finals was stressful and different from what I’ve known,” said Trinity, a freshman. As for her first semester, “I met a lot of new kids and made lots of new friends. It’s a different environment. It’s different than what I was expecting.” Looking forward to her second semester at Roosevelt, “It’s going good, just trying not to procrastinate. Trying to get work done before it piles up.”
Junior year is the infamous year of tests in high school, and some are feeling the heat as semester two kicks off. Finn, a junior said, “I was sick for finals week, so I need to make up my assessments and still haven’t done that.” As for last semester, “It was rough academically. My grades were good, but not as good as I would have liked them to be.” Many Juniors are echoing his sentiment as standardized tests like the SAT and extracirricular events draw near. “It’s been a stressful start of the semester for classes. In robotics we have a competition, but we’re very behind schedule.”
As seniors begin their last semester at the Velt, many of them are excited for the future but uncertain what comes next. Weston, a senior, feels like his classes are going well so far in semester two. “I feel like I’m on top of my classes for the most part.” Reflecting on last semester, Weston said, “I met the goals I wanted to achieve in terms of grades, I’m happy with my work.” To finish his last semester out strong, Weston plans on staying on top of his assignments and getting good grades.
Attendance has been a concern for students of all grades this year, but especially for seniors. Many seniors are struggling to stay academically motivated when graduation is only a few short months away. “Seniors are doing better than last year,” says Ms. Rodgers, “I’ve got a couple that are starting to slip but we’ll see.” For seniors to be eligible for prom tickets, they need to attend 60 percent of classes. “Hopefully they get it back up for prom so that they can all go.” Weston admitted that “It’s been harder to go to classes,” and many seniors are feeling similarly.
Halfway through the school year, students and teachers are getting a fresh start. Freshman are reflecting on their first semester at Roosevelt after a turbulent online middle school experience, and seniors are gearing up to graduate. What will the rest of the year bring?
By Bobby Hamblin
Roosevelt High School
Published February 15, 2023
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