The Transition from junior high to high school is one of the biggest your child will face during his school years.  An unsuccessful transition, in other words, a bad start, is one of the major risk factors associated with dropouts and persons who develop chemical dependencies (Texas War on Drugs, 1994).

 

The best incentive to succeed you can give your child is to exhibit value and interest in their education.  Society’s knowledge doubles approximately every 4 months.  Comparing this to knowledge doubling every 15 to 20 years, like when we were in high school, education is our child’s vehicle to a bright future.  Encourage extra curricular activities while working with them to keep their academics first.  Their ability to attend and be successful in college will allow them to have much greater earning power as an adult in post high school life.

 

Parents are always welcome at Columbus High School.  Feel free to phone or come in anytime you have a question or concern.  Quality education occurs when family, school personnel, and students work together. 

 

We are planning a freshman camp to be held before school starts on August 5^th.  Dates and time for this activity have been handed out to 8^th graders and will be placed on public access and in the paper.  During that time students will learn about opportunities available, rules and guidelines specific to this campus, along with success strategies to use on their new endeavor.

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

 

Jane Brugh

Columbus High School Guidance Counselor

 

 

 

 

Common questions or situations arise during the students first year of high school.  Hopefully, this will be of some help, when and if they arise in your home.

 

I signed up for this class and I don’t like it.  Can I get out?

In order to receive credit for a class you have to be in that classroom 90% of the class periods.  Once the semester begins, changing classes could result in you receiving no credit for that semester of work.  Schedule changes occur at the end of each semester to take effect the next semester.

 

I did not sign up for this class.  Why am I here?

If you choose classes that are offered one time during the day that will automatically limit your other class options.   For example, if you are taking English 1 PAP and it is offered the same time as Personal Family Development you will have to choose which one you would rather take.  That is why you filled out alternative electives on your class request sheet.  I will make every effort to contact you if you do not receive your first choice electives.

 

Can Seniors make me carry cafeteria trays or books?

No, upperclassmen can’t order you around.  If any try come see Mrs. Pfeffer, Mr. Blair, or Mrs. Brugh immediately.  We can fix that.

 

Some students in one of my classes are giving me a hard time, should I tell?

Yes, we have many ways to resolve conflict.  We can mediate the problem, Mrs. Brugh can call all parties in to talk about it or talk to each party separately.  If that does not work it becomes a discipline issue and it is taken care of that way.

 

I was in advanced class at the junior high, should I stay in advanced classes?

Just because you were in advanced classes in junior high, it does not mean you should register for them at the high school.  The better informed you are on the requirements of the specific classes, the wiser you will be in making your decision.  A good decision will include asking your teacher.  Remember, if you are in an advanced class and don’t really enjoy the subject matter you may be adding more stress to your year.

 

I was not in advanced classes in junior high, yet, I am ready and willing to give it a try.  Can I sign up for an advanced class?

Yes, you will need to get the opinion from your current teacher in that subject matter.  For example, ask your English teacher what they think about your ability to do well in an advanced English class.

 

I have an extra adult who helps me in my classes at the junior high, do they have one at the high school?

Yes, we have a room referred to as our Academic Support Lab.  This is a room you can go to for extra help.  We will show you where it is at Freshman Camp.