SILVERTONAPPEAL.COM ܂ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018 ܂ 3B 6 tips for high school freshmen Name Here Columnist Newspaper Name USA TODAY NETWORK – REGION Thinking back on my first day of high school I had big hopes and expectations. Everything seemed bigger. Larger buildings, taller students, and higher stacks of homework. I felt lost at times, trying to remember the combination to my locker, where to go for my next class, and who to trust. Somehow, I survived high school and went on to become a high school teacher and assistant prin- cipal. Making the transition from middle school to high school is an important milestone for several reasons. Students are becoming more independent, ex- ploring new extracurricular activities, and making new friends. Freshman year is also a make-or- break year for graduating high school. Studies show ninth grade students tend to have lower academic performance, an increase in absences, and more behav- ior problems compared to other high school grade levels. High school can be an intimidating environment, so when you add in peer pressure, and adoles- cent hormones, teens find it hard to stay motivated on courses. In recent years school leaders across Oregon have started monitoring pro- grams to catch at-risk freshmen before they fall too far behind. According to the State Education Department, students that complete freshman year “on- track,” with the required number of credits, are twice as likely as students who are off-track, to graduate within four years of starting high school. If you are a student starting high school this fall or there is a freshman in your family, here some suggestions to get them off on the right foot: Talk to teachers and counselors If you’re having problems with a bully at school, something is troubling you at home, or you’re struggling with a class, and you want to talk privately, your teachers and school counselors are there for you. Establishing relationships with teachers and counselors is not only a good way to practice communication skills but it will also help for assistance with college applications or resume let- ters. Do homework While there has been some contro- versy about homework in recent years, it’s best to listen to what your teacher wants. If they say “do your homework”, then do it! It can’t hurt to reinforce what you’re learning in class and maybe even improve your grades. If there’s some le- gitimate reason you can’t turn in home- work on time, ask the teacher for more time for partial credit. Or request extra credit to make up for lost points. Time and space management Students should have a designated learning space at home, free from clut- ter, stocked up with all the necessary school supplies. Put up a large wall cal- endar and get an academic planner to keep track of assignments and class projects. When you’re in class and the teacher announces the homework, make a note in your planner so you won’t forget after school. Find your community A great way to get adjusted to life in high school is joining a club or trying out for an activity. Maybe you’re interested in a sports team, choir, or robotics club? You’ll not only meet students who share the same interests, but your skills will grow as well. For all you parents, this transition can be a learning curve on your part too. While your baby is growing up and ac- quiring more independence, they still need help in a couple of areas. Daily balance Freshmen can sometimes get over- loaded, thinking they can take all these new responsibilities before they’re ready; a new class schedule, sports, maybe a part-time job. Parents need to check in with their student to make sure they’re getting enough rest, eating right and taking care of themselves. Communication is key Parents should ask their freshmen how they’re doing on a frequent basis. You might get short answers but your student will probably appreciate having your support. Monitor academic pro- gress and watch for any changes in be- havior or problems like substance abuse. Reach out to a school counselor for assistance. Entering high school is a new stage of life and while it can get overwhelming, it can also be a positive journey. Hopeful- ly, all the freshmen who enter high school this fall will walk out in four years proud to be in the Class of 2022. Matt Bergdall is an Oregon Connec- tions Academy High School Assistant Principal from Portland. More informa- tion about Oregon Connections Acad- emy is available at www.OregonCon- nectionsAcademy.com or by calling (800) 382-6010. 5 reasons for whole family to get outside Katie Ryan Special to Salem Statesman Journal USA TODAY NETWORK Between getting the kids ready to go back to school, putting in extra hours at work, and trying to resist a drive-thru dinner, finding time for family bonding can be a challenge. With everyone’s busy schedules, families need an easy, accessible and healthy activity they can enjoy together without reverting to yet another night in front of the TV. Getting outside with your family is one of the most beneficial ways to spend time together. Whether it’s just a walk around Riverfront Park or a family na- ture workshop at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, spending time in the out- doors together will help build stronger, healthier and happier families, while limiting screen time and creating the next generation of environmental advo- cates. Here are five reasons why getting outside builds better families: 1. It makes families stronger Spending time in nature makes us calmer, more patient, and more tolerant – all qualities that can become strained when you’re dealing with the day-to- day stresses of everyone’s needs. Get- ting outside regularly helps us all to re- set so that we can be more caring to- wards the people who matter most. 2. It makes families healthier We don’t just mean through exercise — we all know how important it is to stay active. But getting out into nature also helps boost our immune systems by decreasing stress hormones and in- creasing white blood cell counts, which means fewer trips to the doctor, and more time to get things done. 3. Screen-free time is a bonus The average American adult spends more than 10 hours a day looking at a screen, and the average kid spends two- and-a-half to seven hours depending on their age. That translates to more time being inactive, which is linked to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, especially among kids. Getting outside is a great way for everyone to take a break from the screen and get the body moving. 4. Outdoor parents raise outdoor kids When parents are invested in spend- ing time outdoors themselves, their kids are more likely to think of it as an impor- tant part of their own lives. Be an inspi- ration for your kids and show them how meaningful and fulfilling a life outdoors can be! Teaching your kids to respect and honor the complexities of nature will open their eyes to a life of outdoor adventure. 5. Pass on your legacy Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Leave No Trace practitioner, or you just hate to see someone else’s trash littering your favorite outdoor spots, if you love getting outside, chances are you try to do your part in taking care of the special places we all share. When you instill these values in your kids, you’re helping to make sure that your legacy of stew- ardship is passed on to the next genera- tion — and that someday, your kids will be out on the trail with their own kids, showing them how to truly appreciate and care for the great outdoors. For some of our favorite family out- ings, check out the seasonal Family Workshop series at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Each weekend workshop focuses on a different topic and gets both kids and adults exploring the an- CLASSIFIEDS Find a new job or career Discover Discover Disc Di scov sc over ov er your y your ourr new ou new ne w ho home home me JOBS.STATESMANJOURNAL.COM Kristen Barnes Broker 503.873.3545 ext. 326 Michael ichael Schmid Schmidt Principal Broker, GRI 873-3545 ext. 314 SILVERTON #A2479 COZY RANCH 3 BR, 3 BA 1536 SQFT CALL CHUCK AT EXT. 325 $319,900 (WVMLS#733485) Ryan Wertz Broker 873-3545 ext. 322 SILVERTON more effective cultural teachings about sex and relationships is needed. Downing said there needs to be more open dialogue to change the way society views victims. "It shouldn't matter what you're wearing. You don't deserve to be sexu- ally assaulted," Downing said. "No one does." Contact reporter Olivia Heersink at oheersink@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6657 or follow her on Twitter @heersinkolivia. Auctions, pets, services & stuff AUTO STUFF StatesmanJournal.com/classifieds in print Wednesday through Sunday TRUST THE HOMETOWN EXPERTS Brokers licensed in Oregon Continued from Page 2B Place an ad online 24/7 at StatesmanJournal.com or call 503-399-6789 • 1-800-556-3975 STATESMANJOURNAL.COM/HOMES SERVING THE EAST VALLEY SINCE 1975 Crimes silvertonappeal.com Turn here for your next vehicle HOMES & RENTALS JOBS cient forest with all their senses. This October, join us for “Crafting with Wild Mushrooms,” where we’ll un- cover as many different mushrooms as we can and learn how to use them. Learn more at http://www.opal- creek.org/workshops-expeditions/ family-workshops/ Katie Ryan is the Executive Director of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. 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