Back-to-school: Freshman transition means big change for students

Going from big dog on campus to small fry in a single summer is a big step for a teen to take.

But incoming freshman students at Mount Si High School took the change in stride, some with parents in tow, as they readied for a new environment during Wildcat Days orientation last week.

“I’m a little nervous and excited— it’s kind of a mix,” said Sarah King, a Twin Falls Middle School alumnus. “I’m excited about the classes, because they are different courses that I’ve probably never taken before.”

Snoqualmie Middle School graduates Halle Parker and Noelle Stackstad were thrilled about trying out for the volleyball team and meeting new people.

“I’m excited to finally take classes with friends, like creative cooking,” said Stackstad.

But with excitement also comes parent concerns, some over their oldest child entering high school, others for their youngest student starting the last leg of childhood.

Mother Sheri Absher said she is less worried about her son socially than academically.

“Classes are so big here,” she said. “It’s keeping focus. But I’ve talked to a lot of teachers and counselors to make it easier for both he and I.”

Parent Scott Moore’s freshman daughter Kristen is the last of seven children to start high school. The transition is not a big deal for dad, but Moore was surprised by the long list of school fees.

“I didn’t know that they did all of this,” said Moore, experiencing Wildcat Days for the first time. “It must have been my wife who did it with the rest of the kids. I’m just looking at all the money and saying, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of fishing gear!’”

Upperclassmen gave freshmen some advice to make that first day of school a little easier.

Juniors Maura Williams and Kalyn McRae emphasized that incoming students must abide by hallway traffic rules.

“Walk on the right side of the hallway,” Williams said.

“And don’t stop in the middle of the hallway,” McRae added.

Easing the nerves of wide-eyed newcomers, ASB President and senior Amanda Beekman tells them not to be nervous.

“A lot more people are more welcoming than you think,” she said.

Contact Snoqualmie Valley Record Reporter Allison Espiritu at aespiritu@valleyrecord,com or 425-888-2311.

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