Sometimes being a freshman is hard. The jump from middle school to high school can be stressful or fun depending on how it is approached. Here are some tips from seniors, staff, and teachers so that calls of “STUPID FRESHMAN” can be avoided in the hallways.

Seniors Say:

1. Stop acting like you’re cool because you’re not. Trust me.
2. It’s not Northclay, it’s Norclay. Get it right.
3. Don’t be annoying, don’t block the hallways, don’t be loud, respect seniority and don’t trash Northtown.
4. Don’t worry, be happy.
5. Be nice to the seniors or we’ll push you in the tunnel. There is one; you just can’t travel through it.
6. Whatever you do, don’t put everything off to the last second.
7. Stop stopping in the middle of the hallway. You make the seniors push you into the wall. It’s a fire hazard and annoying.
8. Put on your Nikes and do it.
9. Don’t skip classes.
10. Don’t mess around and keep grades up.
11. DON’T WALK SLOW!
12. Stop thinking you’re on top of the world because frankly, you’re not.
13. Get. Out. Of. The. Way.
14. Dress warmly in the winter… it gets cold.
15. Don’t scream!!! It gets on other people’s nerves. If you see somebody you know smile and wave. don’t be irritating.
16. Go to class.
17. Use your class time wisely starting now.
18. Enjoy high school now because it will get worse.
19. Be nice to everyone.
20. Buy a tunnel pass; they are so helpful.
21. If I could count the amount of fun times in IB classes with strawberries, I could make a lot of smoothies. So stay in IB and drink your smoothies.
22. Don’t let the seniors know that you’re stupid or you’ll be a target.
23. Don’t be afraid to bring your own lunch.
24. DON’T SCREW UP!!!
25. Don’t stand in the middle of the hallway and talk.
26. Don’t party.

Teachers Say:

1. Learn to take good notes now.
2. Getting involved in a sport or club will help you make new friends and feel more involved.
3. Get a planner to keep track of your homework and actually use it.
4. Double check your spelling in foreign language classes so you don’t learn it wrong.
5. Be organized from the beginning, it will make a less stressful life.
6. Be positive, smile, and go out on a limb everyday to meet someone new.

Staff Says:

1. All of your grades count for graduation and sports eligibility. don’t fall behind.
2. Mr. Bates is the short assistant principal, but he’s fit, so don’t mess with him.
3. Don’t let yourself get into a hole with your grades, because you’ll get dirty trying to get out.
4. Start thinking about what you want to do in college.
5. Talk to Mrs. Mason about Gold Medallion if you haven’t already.
6. Do your A+ tutoring before senior year.

Freshmen, follow these tips and you can have a good first year at Northtown. If they don’t work, just remember, next year is your chance to say “Stupid Freshman!”