Focus on freshman teacher advice

When you start high school, it’s easy to have a bunch of worries and think you’re the only one who might have a hard time fitting in or finding your way around school. These friendly faces teach many freshmen classes and have lots of experience helping freshies settle in. Get to know them now so you’ll see a familiar face when you step into the classroom, and check out their tips for navigating your first year.

Jake Ziel (Science, Varsity Baseball, JV Boys Basketball)

☺ Be organized! Keep track of papers, write assignments in your planner, and keep a clean locker. This not only benefits you in high school, but in life after high school.

☺ Get involved! Whether that is through music, sports, clubs, or drama, there are plenty of options. As a freshman, getting involved in something at school right away helps you get to know your classmates and make new friends outside of the normal school setting.

Jodie Schommer (English, STEM Academy, Student Publications) (pictured above)

☺ Read a book or two over the summer and you’ll get a jump start on your outside reading requirement.

☺ Put more than one class in a binder so you are not carrying so many around.

☺ Don't be afraid to ask a question or ask for clarification. If you need to know, there are 5 others who are afraid to ask.

Dennis Leckwee (Freshman Religion, JV2 Football)

☺ Participate in class! You learn more than if you just sit there—plus, you remember material better.

Nate Sievert (PhyEd, JV Girls Bball, Track, Strength & Conditioning)

☺ Get involved in as much as possible. The more you are involved the better high school experience you will have, whether its music, drama, clubs, or sports.

☺ Life "outside the box" is really quite amazing if you are willing to take the first step.

Jenny Krauklis (Health, PhyEd, Varsity Vball, Strength & Conditioning)

☺ Smile all the time! ☺ Say hi to people in the hallway because you might just make their day.

☺ It's okay to be nervous, and it's okay to ask teachers for help.

☺ Remember that you will have failures and successes, hard times and fun times—but neither define you. You are beautifully created, important and loved. You are a redeemed child of God and nothing that happens in high school will ever change that. God—and your teachers—still love you, even if you can't open your locker!