Welcome to NC, freshman! When approaching a new school year, students may feel anxious or overwhelmed. While freshman year can appear nerve-racking, NC welcomes all students with open arms. Newcomers need to learn the way to walk the halls of their home for the next four years to settle in and adjust to high school life.
School work
Truthfully, teachers in middle school tell their students that in high school everything works differently. Freshman year grades establish students’ grade point average (GPA), while the following high school years only build off their starting GPA. School work matters, requires attention and should remain a top priority for all students. Grades reflect on students’ comprehension, skill and determinability, therefore schoolwork plays a crucial part in a student’s life to show their skills to future schools or employers.
“I definitely think that grades should be important to freshmen. I feel that everything in high school builds off of freshman year, whether it’s grades or even reputation. Homework takes only a small part of the day to secure good grades. A student’s senior year self will definitely thank their freshman year self for trying hard building a steady base that set them up for a successful high school career,” former elementary school teacher Tanya Saunders said.
Discipline
Discipline remains a major factor to consider during the transition into high school. In elementary or middle school, misbehavior typically results in silent lunch, no recess or extra school work. In high school, faculty and staff take rule violations and their punishments seriously. Significant misconduct, such as bullying, stealing or harassment, may lead to in school suspension (ISS) and even before or after school detention. It remains a student’s responsibility to understand the procedures and rules their school attempts to uphold. Following and respecting school guidelines for seven hours comes easily as these guidelines create a positive, safe and respectful environment.
“Freshman year, I definitely understood that rules would be different than middle school. As a senior and having been a student mentor, I know it is definitely not difficult to follow simple rules. Teachers in high school only ask for respect from their students and respect in their classrooms. Students should never disrespect faculty and staff, as they are only trying to create an effective learning environment,” senior Aubrey Mcpherson said.
Extracurriculars and clubs
NC hosts numerous clubs, such as Greenhouse Gang and Fashion Club, and possesses opportunities for students to join sports, so every Warrior can find their perfect match. Clubs serve several purposes including developing skills, learning leadership roles, understanding professional settings and making new connections. From scholarships to lifelong friendships, high school sports provide students the chance to learn how to balance their activities, such as practice and homework, and learn useful skills such as teamwork, resilience and discipline. Colleges also tend to favor dedication to extracurriculars and clubs from applicants, so it remains helpful to start school dedication at the start of freshman year.
A successful freshman year sets up students’ entire high school experience. Understanding how to act during the first year of high school results in lifelong beneficial rewards. While remembering to follow procedures in school benefits students, it also remains important to enjoy freshman year to create meaningful memories and to shape one’s future.
