The daunting transition into High School life - KOTA Territory News

The daunting transition into High School life

A new school year means change for most students, especially those entering the turbulent arena of high school.

"Scared...energetic...a little bit shy," said Alexander Gross, a Central High School senior.

It's been four years and Gross still remembers how he felt on his first day of high school.

"It was a very big shock! You're in 8th grade, top of the list, and suddenly you're right down to the bottom," said Gross.

To aid in that dramatic transition, Central High School is enlisting the help of student mentors who have successfully maneuvered the turbulent waters of high school life.

"They're scared, they're going into this large building, this large population, it's not just high school its adolescence as well. Senior leaders will be able to provide guidance and help," said Justin Conroy, Assistant Principal at Central High School.

Upperclassmen say freshmen often struggle with increasing academic and social demands.

"Challenges these freshmen will face is a lot of just getting used to planning. A lot more tests and a lot more quizzes, a shocker most freshmen don't like," said Gross.

"We're going to talk about expectations, and get them started on the path to success they'll be on for the next four years," said Conroy.

Many students here say they weren't sure what to expect from the next chapter of their lives.

"I like how they have a variety of different classes, lot of different people, big school, I like that," said Madison Petry, an incoming freshman.

"It's going to be way different than middle school but I guess I'm ready," said Lynsey Gross, an incoming freshmen.

For now, most of these students are just trying to avoid an embarrassing situation on their first day of school, like....

"Falling down the stairs!" said Petry.

Parents are also being briefed on the dangers of social networking bullying.

Central high school already has almost 400 students enrolled in 9th grade for the upcoming year.
Classes begin Monday August 27, district wide.