Adjusting to a new school is notoriously difficult and confusing.  For our new seventh graders, that’s unfortunately their current reality.  Long halls, new faces, bigger lockers, a new schedule with classes all across campus.  I know when I first started here, I struggled navigating long halls and managing workflow.

When asked about the issue, seventh grader Norah Smith responded, “Probably remembering the rotating schedule. The A, B, C and D days are hard to get a hang of.”

Similarly, her classmate Anaya Modi stated, “My biggest challenge was not being able to open my locker and also not being able to find some classes.”

Carter Ostroff added, “One problem I have faced at EHS is deadlines for assignments.”

A change in setting will often cause some disorientation, sure, along with a completely new weekly agenda.

Mrs. Cariddi hoped she could help some new students with a common confusion.  She said, “A new student could create a color-coded schedule using a different color for each class. They could then place copies of it in their notebook, locker to look at during the day. A copy on their phone or at home hanging on their wall or bedroom door, or the back of the front door, next to the rotation calendar, could help them know what day to follow.”

Mr. Ullman had some insight he wanted to share with our new students, stating, “Try new things! Don’t be afraid to get involved in something you know nothing about and see what happens. If you don’t like it, finish whatever it is and move on to something else. It’s ok!”

Mr. Ledgerwood stated, “I would say the best advice I have for 7th graders is to work hard and be respectful.”

It may seem scary now, but if you just keep trying, it will get better.  Don’t be afraid of asking for help when you need it, teachers and staff are always here to help