I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same. - Rachel Scott
Monday, November 8, 2010
NMS vs. NHS
Part of the responsibility of being the new guy at any school is the school newspaper interview, which is was lucky enough to be a part of recently. One of the questions that came up was, "what is your advice for 8th graders preparing for high school?" I jokingly said to the girls, "how much time do you have?" I gave a pretty standard answer about being "prepared" and staying organized but I'm not sure I was able to truly give the answer the justice it deserves. I think the answer can be very complex for some people and yet very simple for others. I'm a little too old to remember back to my 8th grade year and what I did to ready myself for high school but having gone through high school I think I can offer a little advice for our 8th graders preparing for NHS. 1. Expect what you anticipate about HS to be nothing what you expected, it's just different from NMS. 2. You will have a lot of in school work and homework...it WILL prepare you appropriately for college. 3. Use your planner, it will help you stay organized. 4. Don't be unnecessarily absent and get to school on time. 5. Eat breakfast and lunch, you'll need the energy to get through rigorous 90 minute classes. 6. Become involved in some sport or afterschool activity, it will help you stay connected with the school and you'll get to meet people who have the same interests as you. 7. Develop relationships with teachers, it's not "kissing butt"...it's networking that will help you academically and give you a sounding board when you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. 8. Bring your lunch as much as possible...tan food isn't the best choice too often. 9. If you're visiting Mr. Dewar's office, whenever possible bring in a medium regular coffee...it will get you places. 10. To quote Mr. Dewar, HS is what you make of it so apply yourself and enjoy the ride. Don't get hung up on the "pebbles" of your HS career. You will have tough times. Focus on the "rocks" and good times. It goes quickly. I've solicited some help from current and past NHS students to give their advice. They ARE the experts!
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I like that you're doing this so much Mr. Vitelli! I think you hit on a lot of key points..and I like the coffee thing about Mr. Dewar lol. I hope the NMS kids read this cause it's so true. I just wanted to add on a little that there are more expectations in high school that are just kind of supposed to be known. Your teachers won't necessarily tell you to do certain things, but you do need to do them for your own benefit. It's a lot more on your own work rather than your teacher spelling it out for you, definitely beneficial! And also for the most part, the upperclassmen are nice..(almost) nobody will be pushing you into lockers and etc etc. Make friends with all different people; don't limit yourself! (:
ReplyDeleteAli, thanks so much for the feedback...excellent points.
ReplyDeleteHello NMS students!!! as mr.vitelli's favorite student i would love to add some advice. Well.. i am a senior now and have definately learned a lot and i wish i had advice like this before i entered so pay attention! I think a great piece of advice is to simply listen to what others have to say about high school. they're not just saying it; theyre saying it because they want to prepare you. The transfer to high school can be intimidating so get involved! You meet people around the school and get comfortable with the environment if you put a lot into your high school career. call me a nerd, but i absolutely love coming to NHS. I am involved in a ton of activities and surround myself with people that are positive and dedicated and it keeps me on the right track. You definately need to balance though; there needs to be time for studies too so don't put too many activities on your plate! (there is plenty of time to try out anything you want each year if you cant balance it all)
ReplyDeletesincerely, KB
ps...i hope you realize how awesome "V" is because i had him my first 3 years and cant have him my senior year because he is too busy down there. BE NICE TO HIM! :)
First off, do not take your last year of middle school for granted; you WILL miss it! High school is absolutely nothing like what you see on tv; the upperclassmen will not stuff you into lockers, cheerleaders will not run the school, jocks will hang not bully "nerds" into doing their homework.
ReplyDeleteA great program we have at the high school is freshman advisory- every tuesday and friday during silent reading you will go to an assigned teacher advisor's room. There, along with a few upperclassmen, you will be able to just relax and unwind. We do things ranging from dodgeball games to just talking about the highs and lows of your week. The best part is, we take your ideas into consideration! Anything reasonable you would want to do, we can do it! It's an awesome opportunity to create a relationship with some of the older students.
Something that is absolutely key to success in HS is managing your time well, something I'm still trying to work on myself as a junior. The workload is definitely more than middle school, but is not unreasonable IF you can learn how to properly manage your time. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE, YOU WILL REGRET IT.
Don't just drift through high school, make your mark! Get involved! There are so many fantastic opportunities available at NHS- class officers and delgates, student council, sports, anime club, book club, newspaper staff, yearbook committee, band, chorus, and more. And if there's a club you maybe want to establish, go for it! One of my classmates this year is trying to start a dance team. Don't be afraid to speak up and vocalize your ideas!!
Don't be intimidated and scared of entering high school. A lot of the staff and students at NHS are willing to help you enter high school with confidence, so DO NOT be afraid to ask! Talk to Mr. Vitelli, he's got connections:)
Just fantastic advice from Kayla and Mel...you guys hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with everything everyone else has said so far! High school is absolutely not what it is stereotyped to be, its a great thing if you make the most of it :) time management is DEFINITELY important, especially if you're planning on getting a job, playing a sport, or just being involved with after school activities. Don't overestimate how much time you'll have your homework the night before its due, do it ahead of time! Trust me, you'll be glad if you do it the day its assigned. Make sure that you join what you're interested in; it'll make you more important for school in the morning to have something to look forward to! There's plenty of groups that are always welcoming new members. Stay on top of all your academics because unlike middle school, you have a lot more freedom and responsibility. Most teachers only post grades on edline right before progress reports or report cards, so you don't want to have to be pressured to get your grade up a week before grades close. Another main point about the high school is its ongoing effort to eliminate all forms of bullying (including cyber!). Don't take part in bullying, make the effort to better yourself, which will better everyone else. A lot of students are active in this fight, and you'll be respected if you also make an effort to stop all forms of bullying.One last word of wisdom, HAVE FUN! :) there's constantly things going on at the high school, including dances, sport tournaments, plays, etc. Plenty of ways to get involved and enjoy your four years at NHS :)
ReplyDeleteHannah, great point regarding bullying...that hasn't been touched upon yet. Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteThe only advice I have for upcoming freshmen is make a name for yourself. It's so easy to follow the crowd, but being your own person is so much better in the long run. I think the more you get involved the easier the transition is. High schoolers aren't scary, there are plenty of us around the school that are willing to help you. Just walk in the doors with an open mind, and you'll do fine! :D
ReplyDeleteI agree with Colleen completely! I think a huge part of making high school the best is getting involed and making a name for yourself. When you get involved in things like sports and clubs you automatically have things in common with other kids in school, including upperclassmen. Enjoy high school to the fullest. Like Mr. Vitelli said don't worry about the small things and the troubles, its all about the good times and successes. Challenge yourselves and it will be rewarding in the long run. Be positive because your attitude is contageous and going through high school with optimism will make for memories you will never forget instead of reminders of how difficult school was. Make the best of it before its too late!
ReplyDeleteDan Sugar, class of 2011
ReplyDeleteDefinitely don't take too many honors classes freshman year; even though there are only three, it's still A LOT more work than if you do a less intense schedule. But don't be intimidated by these other people's comments, because high school isn't so scary like it might seem. In many ways it's better because most of the teachers make themselves really make themselves availible for help, but you have to seek them out.
Great insight Dan...thanks
ReplyDelete