It is that unknown land with language, customs, and rites of its own. There is only a certain amount of preparation that happens before the real immersion begins. The first day is a rite of passage that everyone must experience. It is as different as the school as the child as the time.
I have helped three sons prepare for the first day of high school and for each one, it was an experience. They all had the prerequisite parental review of the schedule that arrived two weeks before school. Each son was sent shopping for a sturdy backpack, the required binders, pens, pencils, and enough paper for a national forest. They all selected clothes and rearranged their first day look, each one opting for a style that would follow them most of high school. The boys found classmates and used every method of technology available to synchronize schedules, bus stop locations, and lunches with familiar faces. They all thought they were prepared.
One of the best ways to prepare for the first day of high school is to be open to new challenges, decide what you want from high school, and then make a determined effort to succeed. It also helps if you attend a school district that makes it a point of giving freshman and new students an opportunity to navigate their new surroundings before the rest of the students burst through the doors of learning.
Kirkwood High School holds a Freshman Day. There are teachers, administrators, and upper class men all there ready to assist the new students. The kids are given their schedules and handed a new t-shirt with their graduation year emblazoned on the front. After a pep rally to welcome them the school, they are sent into the halls of academic with their schedules in hand. They have 15 minutes in each class and have a very generous 5 minutes between classes to see how fast they can walk between buildings. The 600 students tightly gripped the map and spent a lot of time with their heads bobbing up and down as they alternated between reading their schedules,maps, and signs on the walls.
Parents can have the greatest influence on preparing for the first day, even if the budding independence of the 14 or 15 year old tries to think otherwise. Parents can set the tone for study times, help set up study areas in the home free of distraction, and can lend the quiet support that these barely teenagers need.
In essence, preparing for high school can be boiled down to a list of to-dos, it is something the new high schoolers will get used to, they can even keep it in their ever-present planners.
1. Buy all the school supplies needed before school starts, pay particular attention to purchasing binders, dividers, calculators, and book bags. There will not be a school supply list like elementary or middle school. The teachers do not give their required items until school starts and by then, the sales are over and the stores are picked through. Just be safe and purchase a ream of notebook paper, a couple notebooks, and a 1 1/2 inch binder for each class. Get lots of pencils, a set of black, blue, and red pens, and a box of colored pencils. Pick up the set of protractors, a ruler with metric measurements, and spend the $120 on a graphing calculator that will take you all the way through high school. Lastly, spend money on a good back back because freshman lockers are always on the other side of the building from class.
2. Decide on your first day outfit, again, take advantage of the July and early August sales. Your look will help you feel better about yourself and will make a statement to your fellow classmates; think about who you are and show that.
3. Discuss lunch, another important decision. Lunchrooms at high school are a study in sociology. There are tables for every interest, race, gender, and language group imaginable. There are tables for everything and the whole thing can be overwhelming to a freshman. Decide if you are going to take your lunch or purchase the school lunch. Spend some time making friends over the summer so you can locate a familiar face. Ultimately, in the end, high school is about new adventures. Be brave, just go to a table and ask "Is this seat taken?" There could be a new friend waiting for you there.
4. Join clubs! Every high school has an activity fair or event of some kind. This is help in the evening at Kirkwood High School with the entire cafeteria set up like a trade expo. Every group is vying for your attention and each are displaying the best things about their group. Think about the things you enjoy doing, join a club that has that. This is also a time to explore; join the rowing club if you like water or go out for the debate team if you like a healthy argument.
5. Remember that the ultimate goal of high school is to graduate so put the time into your studies. Set up a spot at home that is exclusively for studying. Ask your parents to carve out a spot in the dining room or if you are disciplined enough, in your bedroom. Ask for a laptop or new computer so you can keep up with technology. If you do not get a new computer, do not fret, the school library and local library have plenty for your use. Equip your study space with a dictionary, thesaurus, plenty of paper and pencils, a clock, and dividers. Hang up a bulletin board - either cork or dry erase - and use it for reminders about upcoming tests or projects. Keep the desk and study area free from clutter and clothes.
6. Find a study partner. This is also very important for success in high school. It is always easier to have someone who is on the same journey in classes like Algebra, Literature and Composition, and Chemistry. Be approachable and also be committed. A study partner will be good for reinforcing classroom learning, studying for tests, and preparing major assignments. Also, be adventurous and take Honors and AP courses.
7. Finally, remember to get enough rest and eat a good breakfast. Teenagers sometimes skip this most important step. if you take the time to prepare a weekly study schedule, you won't have to cram for tests or assignments, you will also go to bed at a decent time. Strive to start prepping for the next day around 9pm. This should include setting out your clothes, packing your lunch and/or book bag, taking a shower, and then going to bed! Try to be in bed by 10pm so you can at least get 8 solid hours of sleep. Turn off the TV - or better yet, take it out of your room, turn out the lights, and go to sleep. When you get up and get dressed, go to the kitchen and eat a full breakfast so your brain is awake and functioning.
High school is an adventure, an opportunity, and a wonderful time of life. A little forethought, a little planning, and a little bravery will make the first day of high school one of the most memorable!