Attention:
Class of 2011
 

August 2007

Summer vacation is nearing its close, no matter how much every kid is trying to deny it. With school sports starting and registration around the corner, it is hard to stay in denial. Another school year is almost here. Most of us are just dreading the return of early wake-up calls and homework. But the Class of 2011 has something extra to worry about - they will be going into high school.

Before my freshman year, I remember being very nervous. There were a lot of questions storming through my head about this time of year. Would I get into the college I want? How much homework would I get? How would I perform in my sports? Will the seniors beat me up? 

Now with some of those questions answered, I feel that I should pass on some of what I have learned. Hopefully the incoming freshmen will feel a little more relaxed after reading the top five things every Novi Freshman should do. 

#5 – Get to class on time 

This is an issue that only surfaced two years ago. For my freshman year, administration started a new attendance policy. Under this policy, each student gets 5 unexcused absences per class (an excused absence and an unexcused tardy are worth ½, an excused tardy is ¼). A violation of this policy results in failure of the class. 

Now students who in middle school liked to wander the halls, talk to their friends, and work their way to class a few minutes late are suddenly in danger of failure. Yet this is mostly an issue in first block, when students who drive (or get driven by an upperclassman, like I did) try to squeeze in an extra minute or two of sleep and get to school at 7:14.

It isn’t hard, however, to get to class on time. Just leave for school a few minutes early, or instead of stopping to talk with friends, talk to them while walking to your next class. 

The policy is not a problem for most people, as most (but not all) teachers don’t care if you are a few seconds late. It’s just better not to risk it. 

#4 – Try hard in all of your classes 

This may sound basic, but it is surprising how many people don’t even try in their classes. They just stop caring. This seems to pop up more and more as people progress in the semester, when they get bored with the class. 

A lot of people who are unsuccessful in high school aren’t unintelligent; they are just lethargic, or apathetic, whereas the people who work hard in every class are the ones who are happy come report card day. 

If you feel yourself doing less and less work for your classes, as I did second semester of last year, just remind yourself that what you do in high school actually does matter, this isn’t middle school anymore. Just think about that college you want to go to in a few years, and you will find yourself trying again. 

#3 – Learn to manage your time 

In middle school, time management wasn’t as important. Teachers were lenient with homework if you had a sporting event, and the classes gave out less work. Plus, all your teachers were part of a “team,” so they could communicate with each other and not all give out big projects at once. 

But in high school that all goes out the window. I had to learn to deal with an essay, math problems, and a cross country meet out in Pinckney - all in the same day. Everyone’s situation is different, but everyone will come across a situation where they feel like they just can’t fit it all in. 

All I can say is to plan your time out in advance. It doesn’t necessarily have to be written out, but it does at least have to be thought out. Learning time management is something you will be thankful for when you figure it out. You will not be as stressed out, and all your work will be better. It is also a skill that if learned now will help you throughout life, even as an adult. 

#2 – Get Involved 

Yes, you’ve heard it a thousand times. Yes, you think it is just something adults tell you to do. Yes, you think it is stupid. I thought so too. But in hindsight, it is probably the most important thing to so in high school. 

For one thing, it helps with time management, which itself made this list for its own reasons. 

Also, it helps you explore things you like with quality teams and instructors. If you like math or science, join either math club or science club. If you like engineering, join Novi’s world-class (2005 World Champion) robotics team. If you like to run, join the cross country team’s attempt at even more years in top ten in the state. 

Finally, it helps you meet new people with the same interests and passions. A lot of the people I hang out with are from my teams, whether they are seniors or freshmen. 

Getting involved is not something that is hard to do. Just join a group of people that like the same things as you, and have fun. After all, that is why those clubs and sports were formed.

#1 – RELAX 

High school really isn’t a scary place. The upperclassmen are generally nice to the freshmen, and "Freshmen Friday" really doesn’t exist. The school seems huge, but then again, didn’t the middle school seem huge before 7^th grade?  

And the homework? You do get more, but it's manageable. If you are struggling in a class, the teachers are great people, and they are more than happy to help you. Even if, like me, you hate asking questions, see them after class when it is more private.  

Don’t freak out with one bad grade. It isn’t the end of the world. Just calm down and work harder in your next class. A college won’t refuse acceptance based on one class. 

Overall, have fun. High school is a fun time in life. There are sporting events to go to, homecoming, and even your driver's license in a couple of years. So work hard, but have fun as well. 

Just one last piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Your class will not be found on the third floor.