Welcome to high school

June 18, 12:01 PMMontgomery County College Prep ExaminerMarjorie Goode

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          School has officially ended for most students.  However, before the celebrations began, most eighth graders, also known as "prospective freshmen/ninth graders" visited their high school to get a peek at their new home, for the next four years.  June 16th was the last day of school for Montgomery County (MD) Public School students; however, most eighth graders gave up their last day at their middle school to travel to their high school for an orientation.

My school started the "Welcome to Magruder"  tradition in June, 1987.  We had an eighth grade parent express concern to our counseling staff that her daughter was very stressed about attending high school and asked if we could help.  She also mentioned that her daughter had other classmates with the same issues.  As a department, we chartered the school's first program.  Later, other MCPS high schools implemented the program. 

Now don't confuse the end of the year orientation with the freshman orientation that occurs several days before the first day of school.  The fall orientation will allow the freshmen to get their schedule and go to each class for ten minutes to meet their teachers.  This relaxes the students before the first day of school by allowing them to locate their classrooms, with lots of assistance from helpful upperclassmen.

The June 16th orientation allowed the cluster middle school students to meet each other and take a tour of Magruder.  They also attended brief presentations by upperclass students on our numerous activities and school traditions, as well as getting helpful tips to make the transition to high school a positive experience, both academically and socially.  Administrators and other staff members such as the security team, media specialist, and career and college coordinator informed the students of their roles and acquainted them with their facilities. 

The transition to high school can be difficult for some students because of anxiety about change, myths, and fear of the unknown.  For example, when I've met with eighth graders at their high school registration and asked if they had questions, frequent ones were, "Will the upperclassmen put us on top of the coke machine or push us in our locker and close the door?" Of course my reply was, "No, the lockers are too small."  However, I always warn them not to buy a ticket to go to the third floor to use the pool, because neither exist.  Once I tell them the only pool on the third floor would be standing water on the roof, they are relieved.

I encourage parents to take an active role in getting their freshman engaged in the summer reading requirement.  Once the student has relaxed enough from the hustle and bustle of the eighth grade, it's time to get started with the reading list.  There will be an evaluation on the books in September.  Don't forget to inquire about summer math packets, as well.  If you haven't received any information, go the school's website and almost all of them have posted the information for the students.  If you don't know the school's website, MCPS parents can go to http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ and locate the school's link. 

Another viable activity to consider this summer is earning SSL/CS (Student Service Learning/Community Service) hours.  My district refers to them as SSL hours, and it's a good idea for students to complete them early, if possible.  Then, that's one less graduation requirement to fulfill. 

MCPS high school counselors work during the summer and on several occasions, I have had incoming freshmen request an appointment to meet with me to get a perspective on high school.  The informal chats helped soothe their anxiety about Magruder, because I never restricted their scope of questions.

Coming to high school is just another stepping stone in life....don't worry, it will be okay.  It will be over before you know it.