Tips & Additional Info

CAMPUS SURVIVAL

• Always have your ID card.  They are required for most school functions.

• Don’t carry all your books to school on the first day.

• Watch out for tardy sweeps 1st and 5th period!  Get here on time, and know where all of your classes are located (especially if they’re far apart).

• Don’t block traffic in the hallways; people are often in a hurry to get to class and will have a problem running you over.  No roller backpacks!

• Find a lunch spot anywhere.

• Textbooks are EXPENSIVE!  Don’t lose or damage them!

• Keep track of who borrows your Chromebook and charger! 

• If you have classes in J building, tell your teachers about being a bit late if you have class on the opposite of the school!!

GETTING INVOLVED

• Join a club, sport, or activity because they really help you find your passions and identity while allowing you to meet new people. It’s even better when you find something you love and want to stick with for all four years!  And who knows?  Maybe you can be the president of a club one day! 

• Before you try out for something, ask questions, do research, and go to the informational meetings.  Check the student bulletin (on the AHS website) and APN regularly to stay updated with new opportunities.

• Buy a stylish spirit shirt to wear to school events.

• Participate in ASB’s spirit weeks and lunchtime events! 

• Don’t wait until junior/senior year to get involved.

• Keep track of all the tryout dates.

• Check the student bulletin.

CLASSES

• Take classes you feel are interesting and important, not just because your friend is taking them and make sure you can handle the course load.

• Take LOTS of notes!

• Learn how to communicate with your peers; especially on projects (don’t be THAT partner)

• Don’t leave class to go to the bathroom all the time.

• Get on friendly terms with your teachers by participating in class; don’t get on their bad side!

• Every grade counts, even your freshman grades.  Don’t slack off and take your classes seriously. Your work ethic and foundation is built upon your freshman grades so leave a profit for yourself!

• Get involved in campus activities and watch out for school emails regarding extracurriculars! 

• Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help!!

• Don’t compare your grades!!

• Take advantage of free tutoring on campus.

• DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!

• Have friends and connections in all of your classes.

SOCIAL & SUPPORT

• Stick with people who appreciate you for who you really are, and branch out - they may not always be in your friend group, but you’ll meet new people who already share your interests or want to learn about them.

• Be open to people from other middle schools, too - you aren’t rivals anymore!

• If you think about it, it’s much more cool to be unique and be who you are, rather than follow the rest of the crowd.  Be who YOU want to be.

• NO PDA!

• Respect your peers!  Treat others how you want to be treated!

• Ask for advice from teachers, parents, alumni, friends, upperclassmen - everyone.  A broader perspective will give you more options, and your teachers aren’t cruel robots - they’re human too.  Remember, everyone is here to support you.

• Don’t go off campus at lunch!

• Peer tutoring is an awesome resource to utilize if you’re confused on a concept plus it’s free!

• Make new friends!! Force yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

HABITS & ROUTINES

• Eat! Go to sleep relatively early!  Bring a snack to school!  Bring your phone charger!

• Manage your time wisely and always have an organized schedule to keep track of events and due dates.  Don’t procrastinate!

• Use your agenda!

• It’s better to study daily than cramming the day before.

• Be responsible, be on time, work hard, and follow the rules.

• Keep in contact with your Link Crew Leader.  We are here to help!

• Get a professional email account with your name in the address.

• SLEEP!!!!!! And don’t skip breakfast!!!!

• Don’t wait until the date before to study!

• Have good time management.

• Set reminders on your phone of upcoming dates and events.

FINAL ADVICE

• Make sure you get enough sleep.

• Don’t get a backpack bigger than you.

• You will make mistakes, so don’t stress over the little ones.

• Don’t over-commit - do what you CAN and are ABLE to do.

• Take your studies seriously, but don’t forget to enjoy the high school experience!

• Don’t be scared to ask questions; they’re one of the best ways to learn! 

• High school is what you make it, so make it meaningful.  Make it fun!

• Don’t forget to live in the moment!!

• Use S Building/PAC restrooms!

• Not everything is about grades :)

• Don’t compare yourself to others! Put your mental health first :) 

• It doesn’t hurt to try (SAY YES!) 

• Ask your peers for things you may need! 

• It’s cool to have school spirit!!