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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-
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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.
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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-
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family-workshops/
Katie Ryan is the Executive Director
of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center.
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