Welcome to high school!

The next four years will go by quickly.  Use the following information to help guide you through your first year of high school.

GRADES MATTER.  Your freshman year is the first year that will be included on your high school transcript.  Your high school transcript will remain on file at your high school for many years.  Make sure it reflects your potential! 

MANAGE YOUR TIME.  Develop a routine.  Do your homework before watching tv, using the computer, talking on the phone, or visiting with friends.    

DEVELOP GOOD STUDY HABITS.  When you are studying, find a quiet place where there are no distractions (most people can not study while they are listening to music, watching tv, or texting or iming their friends).  Do your homework in the same place around the same time every night.  Ask your teacher to review important points before an exam.  Stay 10th period if you have questions. 

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.  Homework can significantly impact your grade in a course.  It can sometimes make the difference between passing and failing (and having to go to summer school).  Just because a teacher did not write an assignment on the board does not mean you do not have any homework.  You should always review class material and plan for upcoming tests, projects, and assignments.

DON'T PROCRASTINATE.  Postponing completing assignments or studying for quizzes or tests can cause stress and lead to poor performance.  Make sure you complete work well before due dates to allow yourself time to ask questions in case you get stuck.         

BE PREPARED FOR CLASS.  BE ON TIME.  If you were late for a job, you would be fired.  Get used to making it to school on time and arriving to each of your classes on time.  Come to class ready to work.  Bring a pencil/pen, notebook, and your textbook to class.  NO EXCUSES.  

ATTEND SCHOOL REGULARLY.  When you miss school, you miss out on class lectures, presentations, and notes.  In high school, it is easy to fall behind in a class by missing only a few days of class.  Find someone in each of your classes that can collect your work if you are absent.  Exchange phone numbers or email addresses and make an agreement to share missed work and assignments.  Ask a friend or sibling to bring home books and assignments for you.  When you return, check in with your teacher to see what you have missed and make sure to make-up all work and assignments.  Ask when the work is due and return it on time.  It is your responsibility to make up work when you are absent.   

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS.  If you did not do your homework, let your teacher know you did not do your homework and accept the consequences.  No teacher wants to hear an absurd reason for not doing your work.  

FOLLOW SCHOOL RULES.  Respect other students, staff, and faculty members.  Do not make the same mistakes twice.  Time spent in the principal's office is class time that is missed, which can lead to poor performance. 

BE KIND.  Everyone could use another friend!  Introduce yourself to someone new.  Invite them to eat lunch with you.  Tell a teacher, staff member, or counselor if you see someone being bullied or picked on.  Imagine what it feels like to be that person.  Stand up for what is right. 

TRY SOMETHING NEW. Get involved.  Join a club or activity or try-out for a sport.  Take a friend with you.  Develop new interests and meet new people.           

    

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