A new year brings a new Freshman class. A large number of students are switching schools and switching views as they get ready to enter Plainfield East High School.
Of course adjustment isn’t always easy, and it takes time. Luckily there are tons of staff that always have open arms and are ready to help the adjustment process be a little smoother.
Freshman orientation is a big help to the freshmen class coming in. This year they gave tours of the building, held an open gym to show the many clubs at the school, and held a Q & A for any questions still racking their brain.
“They really solved it all to be honest,” said Shadi Chehayber, student at PEHS.
But of course adjusting to the school isn’t the only thing freshmen had to do. As always with a new school comes a new set of expectations. These up and coming students have to get used to these new policies and new rules.
The new cell phone policy in effect seemed to have had a positive look out on the staff.
“Student engagement is as high as I’ve seen it in a long time, and that’s really exciting for me,” said Gail Grant, teacher at PEHS
It looked like the eight period day also had a mixed effect on the freshmen class. Some people said it was a good change and the day felt a lot shorter because the periods were shorter, while others said it felt longer.
“I really like it, you know, you have shorter periods which makes the day go by a little faster and I can get an extra elective in. I couldn’t do culinary for seven periods, but with eight periods I can do culinary now,” said Patrick Jones, student at PEHS.
And of course the students weren’t the only ones that had to adapt.
“It’s more difficult to complete labs in class because there’s 10 less minutes,” said Jessica Ross, teacher at PEHS.
Teachers across the school are having issues with the changes, so everybody’s in the same boat.
If students are having trouble adjusting, there are many resources there to help them.
“Use your resources, go to your student support study halls, ask your teachers questions, ask your friends questions, and use as many resources as you can,” said Mallory May, teacher at PEHS.
Everyone’s in the same boat, don’t sink it. Let’s have a great year, Bengals.
