One hundred and two freshmen started high school this August and they notice a difference between high school and middle school. 

   “I feel like middle school is more chaotic than high school,” freshman Abigail Burnham said. Her favorite class is Teresa Arcisz’s English I class, “Because she is fun and she gives me snacks.” 

   Roman Sabella agrees with her, “Mrs. Arcisz is the best!”  

   Third-year teacher, Lisha Douglas recognized the reputation the class had as middle schoolers.

    “I was told that this class was a very disruptive group of students and that there were a lot of fights previously,” she said.

   Douglas advised freshmen to keep up with academic work.

   “(They should) work on their organization skills, utilize reminders for homework and tests, take good notes and most importantly turn in their assignments,” Douglas said.

“High school focuses more on future careers,” says freshman Isaac Daughenbaugh.

    Sophomore Karly Keele said she was able to make more friends her freshman year.

    “High school gives you a lot more opportunities, and you make more friends with upperclassmen,” she said. 

There are lots of opportunities such as math club, sports, student council, and the start of earning credits toward graduation. 

    Freshman Isaac Daughenbaugh got involved in math club, wrestling, track, football, and going for the A+ program.

   The Chicago Consortium on School Research reports freshman year is known as the “Make It or Break It” year. “Freshman year is arguably the most important year of anyone’s high school year. It is the year that will set the stage for whether they graduate and whether they will be ready for college. In order to help the freshman succeed this year, they should reinforce the importance of getting to school on time and not cutting classes, make academics top priority, and talk with your teachers.” 

   “It is extremely important to start the school year well; this helps set the tone for the rest of the year,” Douglas said..