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Oh boy, high school. Yes, 8th grade friends (and families), even though it seems we just kicked off the 2026-27 school year, the time is now to start talking about transitioning to high school. Our hope is to help make the transition a little easier, a little less scary, and maybe even a little bit fun. We can do this together! You got this, but we're here for you if you need us.
Oh boy, high school. Yes, 8th grade friends (and families), even though it seems we just kicked off the 2026-27 school year, the time is now to start talking about transitioning to high school. Our hope is to help make the transition a little easier, a little less scary, and maybe even a little bit fun. We can do this together! You got this, but we're here for you if you need us.
Ms. Drew in 8th grade (check out that hair and turned up collar!):
Ms. Drew in 8th grade (check out that hair and turned up collar!):
Steps for September - December
Steps for September - December
Transitioning to High School
Transitioning to High School
In late October/early November, Ms. Drew will visit all of the 8th grade classrooms to give a presentation on, and have a discussion about, transitioning to high school. We'll talk about how about GPAs (Grade Point Averages), how many credits are needed to graduation (as well as what a credit even is and how you earn one), what happens if you don't pass a class/earn a credit, and more!
Dual-Assignment
Dual-Assignment
It appears as though dual-assignment (the process of choosing between Jefferson High School and Grant High School) will end, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The new process will mean that students who attended Irvington Elementary School (because it was their neighborhood school by address) will attend Grant High School and students who attended Sabin Elementary, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, and Boise-Eliot/Humboldt Elementary schools (becasue it was their neighborhood school by address) will attend Jefferson High School.
*If you attend HTMS through a transfer, you will be required to attend your neighborhood high school, unless you apply for a transfer to a differen high school and that transfer is accepted.
Open Enrollment: Each year mid-Nov through mid-Dec
Open Enrollment: Each year mid-Nov through mid-Dec
Even though it seems the school year has just gotten started, the time is fast approaching to decide which high school is right for you. If your neighborhood school is not right for you, there are a couple of other choices, such as applying to Benson Poly Tech High School, Alliance High School, or MLC, or petitioning to transfer to another neighborhood high school. More info can be found on the PPS website, linked below.
Steps for January - June
Steps for January - June
Step One: Forecasting
Step One: Forecasting
The school counselors from Grant and Jefferson high schools will visit HTMS in the January/February timeframe to work with students to help them get signed up for the correct high school classes. Stay tuned for more details closer to January!
Step Two: Breathe
Step Two: Breathe
While seemingly self-explanatory, sometimes we get so anxious, stressed, or worried that we forget to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. We need deep breaths to get that oxygen flowing. This will help clear our mind and help us to be just a little less stressed. It feels good too. Bonus!
Step Three: Hobbies
Step Three: Hobbies
Consider a new hobby, something you've always wanted to try. High school will allow for a lot of opportunities to try out different elective classes. Why not get a jump on that and try some new things while at home or over the summer?!
Step Four: Dance Party (by yourself or via virtual hangouts)
Step Four: Dance Party (by yourself or via virtual hangouts)
Stop and celebrate that you are almost done with 8th grade, and that you are on your way to your next adventure! Dance, sing, write, whatever...just do something you love.
Step Five: Read Info on Transitioning to High School
Step Five: Read Info on Transitioning to High School
There are a lot of helpful tips out there from people who have been through this already. Read what they have to say, but know that everyone's experience is different. Here are a few sites with some interesting info:
Step Six: Friendships
Step Six: Friendships
Advice from a current 9th grader: Be open to new friendships and don't be hurt if your friend group from middle school doesn't stay the same in high school. You will meet new people; be open to the possibilities!
Step Seven: Get Organized!
Step Seven: Get Organized!
Your organization skills may have been lacking (or non-existent) in middle school, but there's still time to get yourself organized for high school. There are a ton of reasons why starting off 9th grade in an orderly fashion will be super beneficial. For one thing, it makes everything easier (and who doesn't like easier?!). If you're organized, you can focus better and that translates to less stress. Spend some time the rest of this school year, and over the summer, figuring out some organizational strategies that work for you, so you're ready to try them out in the fall! Learn more from the article linked below.
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