Bellefonte High School’s 2023-24 school year has just begun, and with it comes new freshmen in the school. As they enter their final four years of primary school, freshmen can only hope that the first-quarter chaos will calm down. With new teachers, a new environment, and the introduction of block days, will the ninth graders this year be okay?
When first entering high school, and even near the tail-end of middle school, the freshmen are overwhelmed with new information about how things run in the high school. However, the difficulty between the middle school schedules and the high school schedule is drastically challenging.
Block day schedules can be stressful to new students. Combined with first week chaos of school, upperclassmen being in classes now, and extracurricular activities opening up, freshmen are quickly overloaded with all this information. Adapting, however, seemed to be no problem.
“I adapted quickly to the new environment with the help of upperclassmen and supportive staff. Once you know where all your classes are, and when lunch is you are all set,” Emma Roos, a freshman, said.
With high school comes new opportunities. Extracurriculars and high school events being the main two. When first entering high school, freshmen are introduced to a higher quality of dances, field trips, and sport games. They are also introduced and encouraged to join new clubs. Freshman Kayla Leddy seems excited to be a part of high school drama production and the dances.
“Drama club because I did it in middle school and enjoyed it, and school dances because they just sound like a lot of fun,” Kayla said.
As graduation is slowly approaching the Class of 2027 in just four years, the freshmen only have those four important years to leave an impact on their and their peers’ high school experiences.
“I want to leave a mark in the best way possible by just being the best version of myself and being kind to others,” Kayla said.
The last four years of a person’s primary school career are the most crucial years of their life. A person’s whole high school career decides what kind of person they want to be when they graduate.
“I have mixed feelings about starting this new journey. On the one hand, I feel ready to become independent, but on the other hand, I want to cherish the final remnants of my childhood that will inevitably slip away with time,” Emma said.
Nonetheless, Emma is ready for her high school year, and eventually her graduation.
“Growing up can be daunting for everyone, so I don’t believe I’m fully prepared for what that will bring. Nonetheless, I am excited to embark on this new chapter in my life,” Emma said.
The transition from middle school to high school is a difficult challenge for most. However, the Class of 2027 seems to be adapting to the new environment smoothly.
