Freshman Guide 2021

Page 1

2021

Legacy High School

eshman Freshman Fr

rvival Survival Su ide Gu Guide for students, by students

produced by Legacy Student Media www.legacystudentmedia.com | www.therideronline.com


Our History If you asked anyone about Mansfield, Texas in the 60s, 70s or 80s, they would have mentioned the Kowbell Indoor Rodeo. Mansfield, a small rural community at the time, was a popular stopping place for cowboys and cowgirls. The Kowbell was the place to go for an indoor rodeo experience. Rodeos were held each Saturday night, year round.

Myths o Stairs

The Arena was originally built with an open roof and a canvas top that could be lowered for shelter during inclement weather. In 1961, a permanent roof was added to the arena and continued operating the Rodeo. The Kowbell Rodeo closed and the property was sold to MISD in 2004. Because of Mansfield’s fast growing population, MISD administrators purchased the historic location to build the district’s fourth high school. After clearing land and deciding on blueprints, newly hired principal, Mr. David Wright, formed a committee to create the school’s name and mascot. Legacy fit perfectly. Broncos fit even better. In June 2006, committee members chose red and black as the colors. After 18 months of construction, Legacy High School opened in August of 2007 and housed over 2,100 students. To honor the school’s “Legacy” to Mansfield, the dance team was named the Silver Spurs, the yearbook had been named the Arena, and the newspaper was dubbed The Rider. Not to mention, you can find many loud cowbells at our sporting events. The PAC, band hall and journalism room can be found where the former rodeo area once stood.

page 2 | Freshman Survival Guide

Girls’ Locker room

Guys’ Locker room

did you know? • Cookies are sold by PTSA members Wednesdays and Fridays next to the attendance office.

• Using lockers is an option, not a requirement.

• It’s always cold in the classrooms. Carrying a jacket is advised.

• You can’t go to the bathroom the first or last 1015 minutes of class.


of Legacy

• There is no fourth floor, nor plans to have a fourth floor. Be the first freshman class to stop looking for it. • Middle school rumors usually involve Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. These are not on campus.. The café sells coffee and hot chocolate. It’s also a spot you can go study or hang out in during a downperiod. • The swimming pool is across town; there is no pool on campus. However, you might find one in the softball field after a big rain.

Swimming Pool

• You are not allowed to go off campus for lunch. But because you don’t drive, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

om

he 10of

fables and tall tales

• No worries, upperclassmen really don’t make fun of freshmen. But they may laugh at you looking for the fourth floor.

• Only the bathrooms in the middle of the halls are unlocked during the day; the bathrooms on the ends stay locked.

• If you get your phone taken up, you have to pay the bookkeeper, Ms. Brown, $15 to get it back. All doors, other than the front entrance, lock after 7:25 a.m. You must enter through the front door after 7:25.

• Girls’ homecoming mum sizes depend on your grade; you wear a one flower mum as a freshman and add a flower every year.

• Homework isn’t an option. Just like in middle school, teachers give you grades for it. • Tutoring is not just for dumb people. The most successful students are usually the ones who go.

basics on Being a legacy bronco | Page 3


Guide to Bronco Spirit

pep rallies Cheers you need to know:

“What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go! What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go! A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO!”

Fight song:

“I believe that we will win!” “You wish you were a Bronco oo ahh.”

Tips for pep rally spirit

• Always cheer on the mascot, Bucky • Cheer for your class • Anytime you hear the speaker yell your class, represent • Don’t sit down, be respectful • Get involved • Don’t be afraid to participate in our pep rallies

Juniors

Seniors

Sophomores Freshmen

Pep rally seating arrangements

Players Band

We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, So we can cheer and bring the heat. We will be loud and proud a big family, And we will come as one and have victory, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, No we will not accept defeat. B-R-O-N-C-O-S Broncos, Broncos, Go Broncos! We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get set for a win, We’ll be victorious till the end!

events that matter • Homecoming is Sept. 10th

• L.U.C.K. week: February/March (raising money for someone in need)

page 4 | Freshman Survival Guide

• Day of Service: March 2022 (Helping the community)


dress code basics

wear this not that

dates that matter

Aug. 18: First Day of School Aug. 28-29: Yearbook Photos Sep. 3: District-wide Holiday Sept. 6: Labor Day Holiday Sept. 24: Student Holiday/Staff Development Day Oct. 8: Student Holiday/Parent & Teacher Conferences

Nov. 11: Veterans Day Holiday Nov. 22: Student Holiday/SDCE Nov. 23-26: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 17: End of First Semester Dec. 20-Dec. 31: Winter Break Jan. 3-4: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday Jan. 5: School Resumes/Second Semester Begins

Feb. 18: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday March 14: Student Holiday/SDCE Day March 15-18: Spring Break April 15: Spring Holiday/Bad Weather Makeup May 26: Last Day of School

Spirit Guide, Dress code, Events & dates | Page 5


g hall

pe gym T hall

h hall d hall

front of school

i hall

I hall

ca

pol i k ce/ -hall stu co

Jv gym

page 6 | Freshman Survival Guide k hall s hall

t hall

theatre/ Pac theater

choir

Art

n hall

band band

d hall journalism

Art

ria

m hall

restaurant mgmt.

jrotc

te fe

s hall

DANCE ROOM

j hall

J hall

Back parking lot

first floor second floor U hall

LIBRARY

main gym

R hall


third floor

y hall

w hall

Z hall

Finding your way reading hallways 101 the second letter: Tells you what hallway it is

the remaining numbers: the location in the hall

V hall

w hall

y hall

A-J123 the first letter: Tells you what kind of hall it is • A- academic • P - physical education • E - elective

the first number: Tells you what floor it is (1, 2 or 3)

SChool map | Page 7


Get Involved: B.a.s.i.c

Acadec

Robotics

drama Club

journalism

Debate

Where they Meet W310 When they Meet Every Wednesday morning Sponsor Ms. Kamphaus Purpose To bring Christian students together to study the Bible and find companionship in like-minded students.

Where they Meet PAC When they Meet First Tuesday of every month after school Sponsors Ms. Ferman and Ms. Fortune Purpose To foster a love of theater for students on stage, backstage, and in the audience.

Where they Meet T221 When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor Mr. Davis and Ms. Esaili Purpose To challenge students academically at competitions against students with similar GPAs.

Where they Meet EO102 When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsors Mr. Mallett and Ms. Dearinger Purpose To create an awesome yearbook, online newspaper, broadcast, write stories, take pictures, and have fun.

page 8 | Freshman Survival Guide

Where they Meet K104 When they Meet Monday afternoons Sponsor SFC Watkins Purpose To allow STEM-driven students the opportunity to build and test machines.

Where they Meet J114 When they Meet Every Thursday after school Sponsor Mr. Ritz Purpose To meet new friends, go on trips, and learn new skills that will help you in everything you do.

Author’s Club

Where they Meet Y313 When they Meet Every other Thursday Sponsor Ms. Beene Purpose To allow interested students to practice their writing freely and receive constructive criticism from their peers.

Chess Club

Where they Meet W310 When they Meet Friday after school Sponsor Sara Kamphaus Purpose For students to come and play chess. New players can learn the game and experienced players can challenge each other.


clubs

&

organizations

To learn more about the clubs we offer here at Legacy, check out:

therideronline.com

Gay Straight Alliance

Art Club

Student Council

Bowling

AVid

Improv

JROTC

key club

Where they Meet N106 Where they Meet When they Meet T208 Once a month depending on the project When they Meet Every other Monday Sponsor Ms. Veselka and Mr. Skinner Sponsor Mr. Weiss Purpose To promote the arts in our Purpose To provide a safe environment community. for LGBTQ+ students where they can find security in their peers.

Where they Meet J108 When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor Ms. Dorsett Purpose To prepare students for college. They learn organizational skills to help them reach their fullest potential as a student. Twice a week they have tutors come in to help the students.

Where they Meet In the PAC When they Meet Audition the second week of school, then the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Sponsor Mr. Ferman and Ms. Fortune Purpose Have fun while entertaining an audience.

Where they Meet B101 When they Meet 6 p.m. Mondays Sponsor Kenna Cavnar Purpose To provide effective leadership for the students and to plan campus events to keep students involved.

Where they Meet K104 When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor Sgt. Maj. Smith and SFC Watkins Purpose To motivate young people to be better citizens.

Where they Meet Alley Cats or Forum When they Meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school Sponsor Mr. Wilde and Mike Young Purpose To bowl, have fun and get student’s minds off of school.

Where they Meet S203 When they Meet 3 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday Sponsor Ms. Rema Purpose To serve the community and help students become leaders.

What we do here | Page 9


freshman code

Actually try

Freshman year might be the easiest year of high school, but it is also the most important. Your freshman year lays the foundation for the rest of your high school career. Your GPA and class rank start to count this year.

Don’t text and walk

You will get distracted and probably run into something or someone.

safety

Remember to always wear your ID around your neck (Mr. Cousins will be your best friend if you do). Also, do not open any doors during the school day for anyone, not even your friends.

Watch the doors in the hallway

The doors open out, so keep your head up when you are walking in the halls. There are too many stories of people getting hit by the doors. Stay off your phone and walk with purpose on your way to your classes.

Don’t play music in the hallway

Just because you like techno music doesn’t mean everyone else wants to hear it.

Don’t complain

Your freshman year is one of the best because it’s all new. Enjoy it.

Don’t shout in the hallways

You saw your friend 20 minutes ago; there’s no need to let everyone know how much you missed them.

Don’t stop walking

Get to class. Don’t stop and talk to your friends in the middle of the hallway. You become a roadblock for everyone else.

college advice

During your freshman year, start preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and ACT. Those tests creep up on you faster than you think. These scores will be crucial in your college application process (that is, if you plan on going to college).

exemptions Exemptions can be confusing in high school and they change every year. Expect these to change, but here are the rules for the 2021-2022 school year: • Eligible students will receive two exemptions each semester, if they meet the required standards. • Students must maintain an 80 or above average for the semester. • No more than two absences in the class a student wants to exempt. • An absence for a school-related function does not count against you. For example, if you go on a band trip for three days, don’t worry about losing exemptions. • Students suspended, sent to an alternative education program (BIC or JJAEP) or sent to AC for any reason cannot exempt. • Don’t get in trouble for dress code or any other reason. Even if you’re in AC for five minutes, it still takes away all of your exemptions. • Students may not absence fail any class for the semester. • If a student violates one requirement, they will lose exemptions. • Each semester cleans the slate for students. If you have three absences for the first semester, they will not affect exemptions for the second semester. • You will be able to pick up your exemptions during your lunch a few days before exams begin.

time shift - 7 a.m. is early :( Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep You can survive with less, but doctors suggest getting around this amount of sleep.

Don’t procrastinate (this is big) Doing all your homework in one night will make you extremely tired and will leave you exhausted the next day. Work on homework when you get it so the stack doesn’t pile up.

Eat Breakfast Eating breakfast ensures energy to get through the morning classes.

Pack ahead of time Pack your school stuff together at night before you go to bed so you can sleep in later and not have to worry about scrambling to find a misplaced paper early in the morning.

Plan your morning routine

page 10 | Freshman Survival Guide

Setting your morning routine in your memory makes the process easier and faster.


apps to know class link

remind

google drive

skyward

desmos

Canvas

edugence

is the teacher or coach. Ask questions to figure out what’s happening in the class or sport.

problem solve Work

•Free black and white printing; colored is 10 cents •They sell discounted school supplies •They give you websites and books for research projects • Green screen for video projects

with your student and the teacher to solve the problem. Voice your concerns. Listen to all sides. Allow time for the implementation of agreed changes or procedures.

1. Get there early or pick a short line because they take forever. That is not an exaggeration. 2. Buying a full meal is free! Eat up. 3. Chips in the line cost less than chips in the vending machine. It may only save you a quarter, but quarters turn into dollars and dollars turn you into Bill Gates. 5. Ask for extra condiments. If you’re trying to cover your whole sandwich or don’t have enough for all of your fries - ask for extra. 6. Anything chicken is usually good, and the nachos are always a safe choice. 7. You have to stay on campus for lunch.

academic expectations • Always remember to turn your work in. It’s a good idea to still turn it in even if it is late or not finished. • Your goal as a freshman is to earn six credits to be able to move on to 10th grade next year. • Go to tutorials for help. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask your teacher about tutoring incentives to get extra points on quizzes and tests. • If you fail a test, go to your teacher to retest or make corrections within a week. •As a freshman, you will have frequent binder and planner checks. Make sure you learn the expectations and requirements for this.

research There are district policies, campus procedures and then specific course syllabi that parents can access online or in Canvas. contact Your first contact

what the library offers

lunch info

problems with a teacher?

follow up Communicate with your student and the teacher to ensure all agreed-upon procedures are happening and that both parties are communicating. meet If the issue remains, set up a meeting with the coach or teacher, you, and the student. You can meet on the phone, face to face, or virtually on TEAMS. contact ap Once you’ve communicated with the teacher/coach multiple times and the problem remains, set up a meeting with your student’s AP and the teacher.

school supplies • Backpack • Pencil • Pen • Highlighter • Paper • Binder • chromebook

*Don’t purchase school supplies until after the first day of school. Teachers will pass out a syllabus with additional school supplies. Bring both A day and B day supplies every day. Keep it all together.

helpful websites 1. classlink.com 2. therideronline.com 3. bigideasmath.com 4. edgenuity.com 5. khanacademy.com 6. google.com/drive/

Twitter

Who to follow: @LegacyBroncos @therideronline @legacyhscheer @legacybroncofb @LHSDrill @legacychoirs @LegacySBall @LegacyStuCo @broncoxc

Chromebook Basics

• It’s a really good idea to charge your Chromebook every night. If your Chromebook is dead, then you can’t do the activities in class to your full extent. Paper copies are no fun. If your Chromebook isn’t working, visit the library for tech support. • Every student must have one unless you use a personal device. Remember to bring your Chromebook to class every day. • Make sure you don’t download any blacklisted apps or visit blocked websites. It will get your chromebook taken up and then your life will get much more difficult.

Helpful information | Page 11


Who to know

Dr. Butler Principal

What do you want freshmen to know?

“Get busy. Join a club or team and start participating immediately. The more involved you are, the more invested you will be in your success and the success of Broncos Nation!”

What do you outside of Legacy?

“I’m a big sports fan. Any kind of sport, everything. I just really like anything that’s competitive.”

Ms. Brown Bookkeeper

What do you want freshman to know?

“I am where you go to pay any kind of AP fees. I am basically where you come to pay for everything and anything. If your teacher takes your cell phone, come to me, it’s a $15 fine. And they can come to pick it up at the end of the day. If they lose something, come see me.”

what are your pet peeves?

“Not knowing what it is that you need to pay for. You should know what to pay for when coming to me. And not pulling out my door.”

page 12 | Freshman Survival Guide

Ms. Madison

Academic Associate Principal What DO YOU WANT FRESHmen to know?

“They need to be able to manage time and freedom. They need to be sure they are getting their work done because zeros can add up.”

What is your pet Peeve? “A student who is noncompliant when you ask them to do something.”

What is one random fact about you? “I won debater of the year when I was in high school.”

Ms. Vorsino

Lead Counselor WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW?

“A kid came into my office thinking that there was a fourth floor and I had to fully explain to him and show him a map to prove to him that there wasn’t a fourth floor. There is no fourth floor.”

What are your pet peeves?

“My biggest pet peeve is students who don’t pass their classes. It creates extra work for the counselors.”


DR. Ready Assistant Principal

What are you “famous” for?

“I like to think I’m famous for helping people.”

What do you want freshmen to know?

“I want them to know that hard work pays off.”

What is one random fact about you? “I love any kind of 80s music.”

Mr. Cousins Assistant Principal

What are your pet peeves?

“When students don’t wear their IDs, are late to class.”

What do you want freshmen to know?

“I want them to understand that you must have a great start in order to be successful and that the teachers are behind them because this is a family.”

What are you known for?

“Where’s your ID?”

Mr. Contereas Assistant Principal

WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO look forward to?

“The many different opportunities they have to participate on campus, such as athletics, clubs, band, JROTC, and drill team, to get involved in school.”

What are you known for?

“Caring for kids. When they know they have a problem, they know that I can help them with whatever problem they have.”

Mr. alcorn Assistant Principal

WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW?

“I want them to know being here at Legacy is very special, that we want them to feel like they’re a part of the school that nobody else can do for them. And they should never let anybody talk about Legacy in any kind of negative fashion.”

What are you known for?

“I’m known for being a cheery type of person. Also for my corny sayings, like it’s a great day to be a Legacy Bronco!”

Important people on staff | Page 13


Boring (but important) stuff tutorials

finding tutoring schedules

Most teachers have their tutoring schedule outside of their room either on the wall or on their door. Otherwise tutoring schedules can be found on legacy.mansfieldisd.org under the resources tab.

What are tutoring incentives?

You can get a tutoring form from your assistant principal’s office or online. These forms can be used to add points to your grades. To be eligible for the extra points, you must attend an hour of tutoring before or after school and have your teacher sign off on it.

how to use the library 1. Check in

Walking into the library, there will be a scanner for your ID to show you were in there during the day.

2. Look for a book

Walk around and find a book you think you will enjoy. Take it to the front and get it checked out.

tardies

3. Use the computers

time management

Homework

Having a job or playing a sport can complicate a schedule. Doing your homework at lunch the day you get it can help you get it done on time. Doing little bits at a time throughout the day can also help more than you think.

Social Life

Having friends is hard when you have to balance lots of things during the day. Having study dates with friends is a great way to have a social life and get all your work done at the same time.

make up work/absences

1. Ask your teachers for work the day before you miss to avoid late work.

2. Check your teachers’ resources, Canvas, or their website if they have one.

3. Have your parents call the attendance office ahead when you plan on being absent from school.

page 14 | Freshman Survival Guide

4. Try not to miss more than two days of the same class so you can have exemptions.

You can find a teacher’s tutoring time on Canvas.

If you decide to visit the library during lunch, you can play board games with your friends at a table.

After two tardies in the same day, the attendance office can write you a referral or place you in AC. Neither of these options are preferable, so don’t be late.

Tardies turn into absences after 20 minutes of missed class. Don’t miss more than you have to; it will catch up with you.

If you can’t make your normal teacher’s tutoring, you can find a teacher of the same subject that has a different tutoring schedule.

4. Play Games

If you want to finish a project or do some work on the library computers, sit at an empty one and do your work.

2. No more than two

1. 20 minutes max

Other Options

5. Future TCC Classes Junior year students are allowed to start taking TCC courses. Classes meet Monday and Thursday, but meet in the library on Fridays.

3. Passing Periods

You have five minutes between each passing period. Multiple tardies can lead to Saturday School or AC, and you can’t get your exemptions at the end of the semester if you’ve had AC in the past.

Beauty sleep

Getting enough sleep during the week can be a problem for a lot of teenagers. Do class work in class and don’t take it home to finish if you don’t have to. Doing homework early instead of procrastinating can help you get to bed earlier. Eating an early dinner can also help you feel tired and ready to go to sleep earlier.

5. Plan appointments around core classes and/or important days.

6. If you’re sick, bring a doctor’s note to the attendance office.

7. Skipping classes isn’t worth it. You can’t learn if you aren’t there.


freshmen bucket list people to meet

Ms. Smith

ms. Larimore

Coach Keel Influential Educators These three staff members have positively impacted everyone around them, and should be people you want to meet. Both resourceful and engaging, Ms. Clark, Ms. Larimore and Coach Keel are staff you would want to see around the school.

get a mum

Homecoming is one of the most festive games of the whole year. Show your school spirit with a bushel of decorative ribbon, feathers, and bells. Seniors wear white and four flowers while underclassmen wear one flower starting freshman year.

get involved

A great way to get the total high school experience is by joining clubs and participating in school activities. Dress up days are a great way to show your Bronco pride. See page 8 and 9 for a list of clubs and organizations that you can get involved in. We highly recommend joining Journalism or other clubs for experiences you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

non-football sporting events

Football is iconic, so go. But also attend a volleyball or basketball game. You’re closer to the action and can yell louder. Spring sports are usually in the playoffs. Don’t be a bandwagon fan and just show up for softball, soccer and baseball playoffs.

read The Rider

advice

The online student newspaper, The Rider Online, is a great source of news and a way to stay involved with the school. From movie reviews to student profiles, photos and videos, The Rider Online has you covered. Check out therideronline.com

Freshman

“Don’t be afraid to make new friends, get your work done on time and hace fun. You only get to experience high school once so make it worth your time.”

-Katelyn Parr, 9 Senior

buy a yearbook Yes, the cost is more than the $20 you paid at middle school, however, the high school book is more than 300 pages, has autograph pages and tons of memories. It’s the only thing you’ll have from high school 10, 20, 30 years from now unless you plan to carry that iPhone around in 2045 with your grandchildren. You won’t regret it.

“Actually try during freshmen year so you can get a good start for your GPA. If you do good freshmen year, the years after might be easier.”

-Jimmy Nguyen, 12 Counselor

“Make sure you take care of your academics because that’s when your GPA starts. A lot of the time students will make it to junior year and want to increase their GPA because they weren’t motivated.”

-Ms. Dana Vorsino, Counselor

Know the lingo

PAC: Legacy’s theater MAC: Big sports building on football field The Center: Big auditorium by Ben Barber

2021 Girls Soccer

letter jacket

Lettering in a sport or club is a great way to show commitment to the sport and a fun way to show school spirit everywhere you go. Visit with your coach or sponsor for how to earn a jacket.

ProTip:

For A and B days, check the MISD calender or ask a teacher, friend or AP if you are confused.

ProTip:

Check your email Daily!

Extra info | Page 15


Legacy student media follow us @therideronline therideronline legacyjournalism therideronline therideronline www.therideronline.com yearbook orders: legacystudentmedia.com

Install as an app to your device’s home screen. Daily news, videos, photos and more.

www.therideronline.com