BUZZ IN THE HALLS by Pam Koharchik: A look at life at Allentown High School.
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Welcome back to another school year. As I write this on Labor Day, it strikes me funny that a national holiday that celebrates the unification of the work force and common laborers brings about such divisive feelings for those enjoying it.
Parents, no doubt, are reveling in the fact that their children are finally getting out of their hair and going off to school. Children (and some teachers!), no doubt, are lamenting the fact that summer vacation is over and it’s time to hit the books again.
I thought I’d open this year’s columns with some helpful advice to the Class of 2005 and its parents. It’s going to be a month of excitement and fear, filled with awe and probably some letdowns. How you approach your first month, and year for that matter, will set the stage for your following three.
First off, it’s all in the attitude. Sure, you are going to be a little afraid, and you may want to compensate that with the "bad" attitude, but if you stick with that attitude, it may stick to you, long after you want it to disappear.
I hate to say it, but many impressions in life are based on first impressions. It will happen in the future with college and job interviews (where you won’t have a chance to give a second impression), and it certainly happens here. Just as you will form your first impression of your teachers, they, too, will of you.
Try and open yourself up to new friends. For all of you, this will be a chance to mingle with kids you’ve never met before from surrounding sending districts. Although there is safety in sticking with those you grew up with, you’d be limiting your chances to meet some awesome, new faces.
When in doubt, ask. Get to know Joan Vann. This amazing woman runs the office (and some say the school). She knows everything there is to know about AHS. Or, at least, she can tell you were to go and whom to see for help. She’s the principal’s secretary and located in front office, in the office right behind the desk. Say "hi" to her when you see her in the halls.
Don’t get to know the attendance officers. Not that they aren’t great people, but don’t get yourself into a position where Ms. Bembry or Mrs. Gafgen have to locate your whereabouts because you are in danger of losing credit.
Take your classes seriously to start. It’s extremely hard to start the year off slacking, and then fight the uphill battle to pass. Just ask any of my returning juniors in English III (both past and present).
If you need help, make arrangements to stay after for extra help with your teachers, in homework lab (run Mondays through Thursdays after school), in writing clinic (held after school two days a week, schedule pending) and in math lab (also run after school two days a week, schedule pending).
Don’t be too afraid of the upperclassmen. Yes, they will tease you in the beginning (remember, your chance comes later), but all in all, we have a great student body at AHS, and many of them would love to help you get along.
GET INVOLVED EARLY! Sports are a great way, but so is Student Council, the Optimist Club, band, choir, yearbook, newspaper, color guard, cheerleading, drama, FFA, and the list goes on. Get involved with your class activities.
Homecoming is early this year, Sept. 29. That means the week preceding it is Spirit Week, a fun competition between classes that includes dress up days, performing skits and the pride of the class, the banner. It’s long nights laughing and planning, and I personally feel that nothing gives you a greater appreciation of accomplishment and unity than that whole process. Run for an office (elections are the second week of school).
On an academic note, I think this one is most important. Make yourself known to your teachers early. No, not by being a pain in the toosh during class, but by introducing yourself on Day One. Talk to the teacher for a minute after class. Answer questions. Say hi in the hallway. Approach one for a class officer recommendation signature.
You don’t have to do these things and fear being labeled a kiss up in class by your peers; believe me, there are many covert ways of doing this. In the end, you will become a student who stands out of a class of generally 25 average kids. This will help you when you need written recommendations for college, or an extended deadline on a paper because of an unforeseen circumstance.
I said last year that teachers are human and do play favorites to those who treat them with respect and honesty. Be one of those students. Someday in college, you’ll understand how important it is when you are one of 400 kids in a lecture hall. Being an individual, rather than one of the masses, makes the difference. Stand out.
Parents, this one is for you. Get to know your high schooler’s teachers, guidance counselor and grades early on. Go to Back to School Night. Return calls from teachers. Place calls to teachers. Check up on your kid’s progress early, while there’s still a chance for intervention and help. If a child is behind early on, it’s not going to be easy to get in the necessary credits by senior year.
Take an active role, especially in disciplining your child. There are a lot of experiences to be encountered by your child during the next four years (some wonderful, some evil). Let your child know where you stand.
Good luck to a new academic year! If your child needs help, have him or her stop by and see me in Room 204; I’ll be glad to assist!
Pam Koharchik is an English teacher at Allentown High School. Buzz in the Halls is a regular feature.