Back to school is an annual event in September for most American schools. At the high school level, students are acclimating to a world of transition, which is from a world of preteen to young adult. High school offers students the opportunities to expand themselves through academics and social interaction.
Preparing for the First Day of High School
Basically, high school is preparation for the world of work. At a minimum, students need to obtain a high school diploma to gain entry level jobs. These jobs will pay for a minimum standard of living. If students wish to increase their standard of living and have more life opportunities, then succeeding in high school is a must. Students need to take their education seriously and maximize their knowledge while in high school and prepare themselves for post-secondary education.
The first step to succeeding in high school is being prepared. Prior to the first day of school, students need to find out what supplies are needed for each of their scheduled classes. If a list does not exist, then a good rule of thumb is to bring a college-ruled notebook, a couple of pens and pencils, and a student planner. Most teachers will provide a list of supplies and expectations on the first day of class.
Joining Activities at High School
Besides academics, students need to partake in activities. This can include clubs, like DECA, or sports, like football or volleyball. Students will need to be proactive and seek out the opportunities of interest. Schools have a list of activities available to all students, which can usually be found in the main office. Also, many schools will allow students to start their own clubs if enough interest is shown.
Some activities are seasonal, so fall activities may have started prior to school starting in September. If this is the case, students can still express interest to the coach or advisor and find out how they can still participate. High school is a great time to experience new clubs and sports. Students need to consider joining a sport of activities for the fall, winter, and spring. Since sports meet nearly everyday, students should withhold from joining any other activities while in that season.
On the first day of high school, many high school clubs will display posters to invite new members. Announcements are also made throughout the first week of school to invite students to join. Clubs will have an interest meeting to explain the club's purpose, activities, and expectations. Students can attend as many interest meetings as desired to gain more understanding of the club.
Finding Available Resources in High School
High school students can gain from understanding and finding resources at the high school. The following are some of the resources that students need to find:
- School nurse – when students feel ill, they can report to the nurse. The nurse can also dispense prescribed medication to students.
- School counselor – when students are feeling down, need help with academic issues, or want to find career and college information, school counselors are available by appointment or for immediate situations.
- Media center specialist – when students are required to research projects and papers, media center specialists can provide references and resources to research topics.
- Attendance clerk – when students are late for school or need a pass to leave school, attendance clerks create the passes that permit students to arrive late or leave early.
- Main office secretary – when students are driving to school and need a parking pass, the main office secretary will know how to assist. Additionally, the main office secretary is available for all students to answer needed questions.
- Lunch worker supervisor – when students wish to eat the school's lunch, the supervisor will provide information on how to set up a lunch account and how to add money to the account.
- Dean or administrator – when students need to know the policies of the school, the dean or administrator can provide information on behavior expectations (backpacks, cell phones, dress code, etc.).
Students need to be prepared for the first day of school. Often times the first day requires needed supplies and payments for material and fees. Students who need financial assistance for supplies or fees need to seek out their school counselor for help. Without necessary supplies or payment, students will be put at a disadvantaged to starting the school year properly. Additionally, without being prepared students can easily fall behind academically quickly.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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