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Oh boy, high school. Yes, 8th grade friends (and families), even though it seems we just kicked off the 2024-25 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 2024-25 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
Dual-Assignment: What is it and Why Should I Care?
Dual-Assignment: What is it and Why Should I Care?
All students who attend Harriet Tubman MS as their neighborhood school* are tagged "dual-assignment." This means that students get to choose which high school they want to attend: Jefferson High School or Grant High School. You will receive a letter in the mail from PPS regarding dual-assignment and you will need to choose one high school. If you do not make a choice, the district will choose for you. You want to choose the school that's right for you, so you choose!
Stay tuned for more info regarding dual-assignment!
*If you attend HTMS through a transfer, you will be required to attend your neighborhood high school, unless you apply for a transfer for 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 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
Did you turn in your forecasting paperwork to Ms. Drew? Yes? Awesome! No? Contact Ms. Drew right away (adrew@pps.net) to get signed up for classes, for the 2021-22 school year.
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.
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 (even if it hasn't ended quite the way we'd hoped)! 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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