Nico, a freshman, carrying a heavy backpack.

Photo credit: Jackson, 9th grade

“Newness can be intimidating, and it’s okay to be anxious, uneasy, or nervous. If you feel those things you should feel normal. Newness is a good thing and you should be excited because it is an opportunity to take new classes and meet new teachers, or meeting  new friends.” states Mr. Blickman, the dean of 9th grade. 

The transition from middle to high school can be a big adjustment that takes a while to get used to, depending on the person. With this in mind, GCDS works hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome and like they belong as soon as they walk through the door to the school. 

A common topic was the fact that there is a lot more work, and that the middle school on  Old Church Road did not prepare students for it. Reva, a freshman, says, “9th grade is half fun and half overwhelming and stressful. The workload is so different and 8th grade did not prepare us for all of this. Last year they were so chill and this year it’s so hardcore.”

Others agreed with Reva. Freshman Georgina, states, “there is a lot more work than I thought. We have like 10 times more homework than we had last year.” 

Ella, a freshman, also believes, “There is about the same amount of work in my classes, but the homework takes a lot longer.” 

Each of the girls interviewed also plays a sport. They were asked if the workload is manageable and if their teachers were aware of this. Ella is on the rowing team, and she states, “I can handle the work, but it is a lot. And my teachers are sometimes understanding, but sometimes they are not.”

Anthony, a 9th grader, stressed while doing homework 

Photo credit: Teddy, 11th grade

“The workload plus sports is a lot to handle, and I am not going to burn myself out to get all of my work done. I can handle the work sometimes, but with sports it gets a lot worse. Teachers are not really understanding and they have to be aware of how overwhelming it is for us. They need to understand that we can only do so much.” Reva a freshman notes. 

Georgina disagreed, “I can handle the work, it just takes me a long time to do it. My teachers are really understanding if I don’t complete the work due to a conflict, and they ask to help in any way possible.”

Mr. Blickman explains what the school has been doing to try and make the transition feel smoother. He shares some tips on being new and creating a better transition for yourself. He says, “Community building events, even something as simple as the birthday celebrations, or the 9th grade afternoon, or movie night– all these little things just to get people introduced so that they know each other a little bit more.” This is on top of what the school already builds into the schedule, like pride challenges. Spending time in Prides is an opportunity to get to know two other teachers at the school and to spend time with your advisor.