As an educator, I know that the transition from middle school or junior high to high school can be intimidating for both incoming freshman and parents.  There are a lot of changes in a very short amount of time. New school, new teachers (and teaching styles), new classmates, new routines, schedules, heavier work load and the list goes on.  Although the new changes can feel overwhelming it also means that your teenager is about to go through a period of growth.

I recently had a conversation with a group of incoming ninth graders and they had a lot of questions. I want to share my top tips for middle schoolers entering high school so you or your incoming freshman can make the most of the high school experience.

1. Remember you are not alone.  All 9th graders feel nervous the first days or weeks of school.  Just remind yourself that at this very moment there are thousands of other 9th graders with the same mix of emotions you are having.  Everything is new and it is totally normal to feel a bit lost in the beginning.

2. Ask for help when you need it.  When you are struggling with a course, this isn’t the time to try to figure it out on your own.  The moment you find yourself falling behind reach out to your teacher or guidance counselor.  They are there to help you (It’s their job!). Most teachers hold extra help hours on a weekly basis.  Find out when that is and attend.  You may realize that you only need a few minutes to go over a question or homework.

3. Use an agenda or calendar!  Do not rely on your memory to remember what you must do.  Most teenagers have a lot going on in their lives: sports, doctor appointments, clubs, homework, projects, etc.  The key is to write everything down.  I suggest on Sunday night you look at everything you have going on that week that isn’t school related (appointments, practice, volunteer work) and put it in your calendar.  This will help you see how much time you have.

When you enter your classroom if your teacher posts the day’s homework assignment, write it in your agenda/calendar.  Before you leave school, look over your agenda and make a mental note of what you need to bring home.

If you get a syllabus at the beginning of a semester with major assignments, put it in your agenda. Once you are clear on what you have going on in the week, you can break down large assignments into smaller parts.  For example, if you know that in two weeks a research paper is due, you can schedule time to research books and articles, then you can schedule pre-writing and brainstorming days.  This will break up your assignments into smaller digestible pieces that are less overwhelming.

4. Your teachers are on your side.  Teachers are humans and have different personalities and teaching styles.  Give some time to get to know your teacher and his or her teaching style.  Form good relationships with your teachers.  Chances are you will be asking your teachers in a few years for recommendation letters for college, work or scholarships.  In my experience, students who I have written outstanding recommendation letters for are students that have allowed me to get to know them.  Doing well in a class is important, but also is showing your willingness to learn and grow from mistakes.  Attend those extra help sessions and ask questions.

5. Get to know your guidance counselor.  If you wait until you have a problem at school to reach out to your guidance counselor it might feel awkward and uncomfortable.  Take the time to meet your guidance counselor and share your interests with him or her.  They are there to guide you both when you are struggling, both academically and emotionally, and when you are trying to figure out your interests in school and in future careers. Not only will your guidance counselor help you select your courses, they might be able to suggest programs and scholarships that are available outside of high school.  Also, your guidance counselor will be your go to person during the entire college application process.

6. Do your homework.  I know after a long day of school, who wants to do more work.  If your teacher considers homework important, so should you.  Chances are homework is the easiest part of your grade.

7. Be social.  You don’t have to stick to one clique.  Get to know different groups of people.  To make good friends it will require you stepping out of your comfort zone and talk to everyone.  Not everyone will be your best friend, and that’s okay!  Spend time with people who are positive and uplifting and stay away from those who are draining.  Remember everyone is trying to find their place in high school so making close friends in high school may take time.

8. Get involved and have fun.  Do something extracurricular and get involved in your school’s community.  Not only will you meet new people, you will feel like you are part of a group.  You can join a no-cut sport like cross country, try out for the school play, or a club that interests you. Chances are your school already has a list of active clubs and you can get an idea of what your school offers.  Go to every first meeting of clubs that interest you and check out the vibe.  If you like it, keep going and make new friends.  If you have a passion that isn’t represented in your school, find out how you can start a new club.  High school is more than classes.  It is up to you to make the most out of your high school experience and it might require you to step out of your comfort zone and try new activities.  If there is one regret most students graduating high school have, it is that they weren’t as involved with their school as they could have been.

High school can be one of the most amazing and fun times in your life.  Keep a positive outlook, and when you have those moments of nervousness and overwhelm remember that chances are the people sitting at either side of you are going through the same feelings. You have people you can reach out to during this time of transition.  Use your resources.

Much love,

Andrea

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