Wednesday, April 17, 2013

What Every Freshman Should Know 2013-2014

In the comment section below...

Use your Foothill experience to determine and develop a list of 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know.

Be sure to include your first name and last initial at the start of your comment as shown below.

Due no later than Monday, April 29, 2013...

Sample: 

Conni C - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
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3)...

Your comments are moderated by Mrs. Carr so there will be at least a 24 hour delay before you can view your submission.

34 comments:

  1. Delaney W- FIRE Crew 2013-2014- 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1) When a teacher tells you to be quiet (or to do anything for that matter), do it. Teachers are here to help you and to open up opportunities for you, and when you don’t do what they ask, you are taking away from that. Plus, it exasperates the teacher when they can’t get you to focus and do what they ask.

    2) Take notes in class, do the assignments, and do the homework, even if you strongly dislike that class. You may not like it, but it’ll bite you in the butt if you don’t.

    3) Don’t overload yourself with too many hard classes/activities. If you know for sure you can handle taking all honors classes in addition to ASB and BioScience and sports at Ventura/Buena and every club available at this school, then by all means, go for it. But if you find yourself miserable and way overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher/counselor/FIRE leader about it. These classes/activities may not be right for you, so don’t feel guilty if you decide to drop it. But don’t freak out and drop the class when you first start to get overwhelmed because you may just be hitting a rough patch.

    4) I know it’s easier said than done, but please don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re just making it harder for yourself if you try to figure things out on your own.

    5) Don’t be scared of Dana. He’s cool. Also, don’t freak out if he hits your backpack with his lanyard. He does that to everybody. :)

    6) Try to make new friends! Talk to the people you sit next to in class. I know it's not always easy to branch out, but if you simply smile and say hi to your seat partner every day, you might end up being friends.

    7) Don’t sign up for a class thinking it’s going to be a super easy class in which you only text your friends and never do any work. Chances are it’s going to be more involved and challenging than you may think.

    8) Study, study, study!!! We are not in middle school anymore people! You WILL NOT be able to pass quizzes and tests if you don’t study!!!

    9) Be positive. It'll help you get through hard times in your life.

    10) Start thinking seriously about what you want to do after high school. You’ll be graduating high school very soon. Time flies after middle school.

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  2. Will R. - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1)Do not overwhelm yourself with work, take what you can handle.
    2)Do not be lazy, do what needs to be done. Relaxation comes after work.
    3)Stay quiet unless it is an appropriate time to talk.
    4) Do not make loud noises when authority is talking.
    5) Be yourself.
    6) Attend your classes and FIRE unless you have an excuse.
    7) Push through the hard parts of highschool, it will benefit you in the end.
    8) Do not be scared, most people are here to help you and you will ease into things very fast.
    9) Do not be annoying and you will make friends fast.
    10) Foothill will be a good experience if you make it a good one for yourself.

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  3. Nicolle M- FIRE Crew 2013-2014- 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1.) Take advantage of FIRE. Get help then with the classes your taking and take advantage of the opportunity to talk to teachers and get homework done.
    2.) Be yourself! As long as you do that, you'll make friends and have a blast at foothill!
    3.) Manage your time! As long as you get skilled at that, you won't have as much of a struggle with getting assignments done, and it'll make it so much easier to have all your work done so then you'll have free time to talk to your friends and hang out.
    4.) Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers about anything academic. They are here to ensure your academic success, so if you want to know why you got a certain grade on something, or you're confused, etc etc, go talk to them!
    5.) Don't procrastinate!
    6.) try to make the best of every situation. If something doesn't go right, use it to your advantage! Make something creative out of it! Stay positive, because after its all said and done, it'll be okay.
    7.) Make sure to make leisure time! If you don't you'll get overwhelmed, and that's never good. But don't make too much. There is a balance, and you just have to find the right one for yourself!
    8.) Be nice, and everything will work out!
    9.) know your limits! Don't commit to a whole bunch of hard classes on top of sports, bioscience, crazy community service, leadership, and journalism. If you can take it, go for it, just as long as you know your limits.
    10.) Listen to your teachers and respect their opinions.

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  4. Sophia Cyr- FIRE Crew 2013-2014 10 Things Every Freshman SHould Know
    1.) DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Having only three classes a day makes it really easy to put off work until the last second but it pays off doing the work as soon as it is assigned.
    2.) Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers. I promise that they're always willing to help and are never as scary as they seem.
    3.) Get to know everyone. FTHS is a small school and is so much more enjoyable when you are able to be friendly with the entire campus.
    4.) Get involved! There are so many different clubs and activites to d oat Foothill and it is a great way to get to know people while also looking good on college applications.
    5.) Use your agenda. It may seem tedious but being organized is a key part of staying in top of classwork and grades.
    6.) Make the most you can while in your FIRE class. Us FIRE leaders are here to help you and those 30 minutes are much more helpful than you think.
    7.) Don't bite off more than you can chew. Gettin ginvolved is great but being stressed and overwhelmed makes it difficult to concentrate so make sure you know what you are getting into before you make a commitment.
    8.) Learn how to manage your time wisely. The sooner you become good at this the sooner handling school work and extracurricular activities will become easy.
    9.)Make the most of these four year! You only get to go through them once and the memories you make here will last you a lifetime.
    10.) Have fun!!

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  5. Ceejae A - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1. If you're lost and you do not know your way around the school, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS! It is okay if you get lost, because then you get to explore the campus and see where things are.

    2. Just because we have block schedule, does not mean that you can procrastinate. Yes, your homework may not be due until the day after tomorrow, but you will forget and you will not do it.

    3. Take advantage of FIRE! We're here to help you with all of your homework, organization, and grades! FIRE is like a study hall period where you can do all of your homework so that you have free time. FIRE is not for messing around and disturbing others.

    4. Know your teachers! Definitely get comfortable with your teachers because you will be here for the next four years, so get to know all the teachers you have! That way, you can build a great relationship with them and you won't be afraid to go talk to them about a test, your grade in the class, or whatever else you may need. Your teachers really do care about you and your well-being! Some of your previous teachers might bite, but Foothill teachers won't!

    5. Ask questions when you don't understand something! You may feel like asking a question is embarrassing and annoying because people might think that you're dumb for not understanding the first time. Well, you're not dumb or annoying for asking! You're actually really smart, because it's better to fully grasp the concept than walking out of class with not knowing anything. Always ask when you don't understand anything, especially before a test!

    6. Don't miss a day of school unless you really have to! Missing four periods on a block schedule or missing an entire Monday schedule may not seem that bad. But it's really overwhelming when you come back. Because you miss so much in just one period that if you miss four, you are just bombarded with work! That's okay though because that's where you can use FIRE wisely.

    7. When it comes to weird weekly schedules because of important events, DO NOT PANIC. You can always ask a teacher what the schedule will be for tomorrow or next week. You can always go on the Foothill website and look at the bulletin if you aren't sure.

    8. You might not know many people in your classes, so make more friends! It doesn't hurt to try to become friends with someone! Yes, you might be upset that you're being forced to go to Foothill while most of your friends are at a different high school, but there a great people here too!

    9. It is okay if you start out the year with not so perfect grades, as long as you're trying your absolute best. You're new to high school, you're just getting used to the weird schedule, and you're still trying to figure out how your teachers run the class. FIRE leaders can always help you.

    10. If you've come to a very stressful point during your first year of high school, talk to a FIRE leader about it. We can help you and give you advice on how to deal with the stress. Everyone comes to a stressful point in their life and talking about it that has already been through freshman year can really help you figure out what to do. Don't give up if you're really stressed. Give some time to yourself, take a break, take a breath and it will be alright. Enjoy the short four years of high school, don't stress through it!

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  6. Kazutoshi K - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1. Don't procrastinate! Foothill's unique block schedule may give you more time for homework, but also more time to procrastinate!

    2. Be organized! Organization will not only help you throughout your freshman year but also your high school experience, and beyond. It takes effort to stay organized but it's a habit worth learning.

    3. Ask questions! Don't ever be lost or confused about anything. It may seem embarrassing at first not being able to understand what you're being taught but it’s better than not being able to understand it at all! Plus there is no such thing as a stupid question.

    4. Get to know your teachers! They will most likely be with you for the next 4 years of your life. They are the ones who will not only teach you valuable skills in various subjects, but also prepare you for life beyond high school. Your teachers are always there for you.

    5. Take a fun class! Although your academic classes like Math, English, Science, and History are very important, it's also important to take a fun class, to take a break from your studies. Foothill has a variety of electives available from art to drama, photography to journalism.

    6. Make some friends! Foothill has such a welcoming environment and you should meet new people from all your classes, and your graduating class, get to know them because most likely, you will write essays, study, and test with them for the next 4 years!

    7. Do you best! Not everyone is advanced at every subject or has near perfect grades but that is no reason to not try! Your high school career can potentially define the rest of your life! You should always work your hardest and try your best in everything you do, not just in school but also once you graduate.

    8. Take advantage of your FIRE class! FIRE may seem like a waste of the beginning of your lunch period but its an opportunity to make sure you are on the right track, to make sure you aren't slipping into the wrong direction and time to catch up on things you missed! Dont waste your FIRE time slacking off but rather catching up and staying on-top on things.

    9. Have goals! You should constantly be having a goal in mind. Something you want to accomplish that is reasonable and keeps you motivated. Dont give up!

    10. Dont be afraid to ask your FIRE leaders about anything! Your FIRE leaders, as well as your FIRE teacher is always there for you. Take advantage of their experiences and how they have survived high school so far! Dont be afraid to approach them at anytime.

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  7. Madi S- FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshmen Should Know

    1. Don't procrastinate! It will make your life less stressful, and trust me, when all your work is done you feel much better.

    2. Use your agenda, or get a planner. It will help you remember assignments and important tests/projects.

    3. Study and prepare for every test.

    4. Get to know all your teachers, and don't be afraid to ask them for extra help.

    5. Don't overload yourself with work! You don't want to be spending all your time doing homework and leave no time for fun activities.

    6.Do all your homework. Making up missing assignments is not fun, and homework helps you know what to except on the tests.

    7.Take good notes in class. This will also help with tests :)

    8. Listen and respect your teachers. They are there to help you learn.

    9. Be friendly and helpful to other classmates. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

    10. Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether it be FIRE leaders, teachers, or upper class men. That's one of the reasons Foothill is a great school: everyone helps each other out.

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  8. Veronica M- FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshmen Should Know

    1. Please use FIRE to your advantage. It's a time to finish your homework so you don't have to worry about it at home. Trust me, it's valuable to you.

    2. Don't procrastinate! Foothill's curriculum is manageable if you use your time wisely. If you procrastinate, it will not be fun.

    3. Don't push yourself too hard by taking every single difficult class and extracurricular that this school has to offer. Take the classes that interest you and cater to your strengths. Become involved in the extracurriculars that interest you most.

    4. The teachers here are very nice and want you to do your best. You will also discover that a lot of them are awesome (e.g. life-size cutouts of Lord of the Rings characters in the EDA classrooms, couches in many different rooms, teachers who sing, rap, and do interpretive dances). Each teacher has a wealth of knowledge and advice to offer.

    5. Don't be afraid of expressing your own style. You can wear whatever you want (as long as it is appropriate). You'll often see students wearing P.J.s, suits and ties, costumes, kilts, masks, and crowns. Wear what you want to wear!

    6. Pay attention in class. You'll learn so much more that way.

    7. Invest in an agenda or planner. It will help you keep track of assignments, quizzes, tests, and important announcements.

    8. Don't be afraid to make new friends. Get to know the other kids in your FIRE class. Usually, they'll end up being some of your best friends. The kids at Foothill are really nice and accepting. You'll get to know so many people and have so many friends in all grades.

    9. Don't worry if it's hard to adjust to high school in the beginning. The block schedule may seem weird, and you might keep forgetting where your classroom is, but don't let that discourage you. Relax, breathe. You'll get the hang of it soon, and ask your FIRE leaders/older peers any questions or concerns you may have. We all want to help. :)

    10. Have fun! Foothill is a fun campus. Take fun classes, go to dances, run through the inflatable obstacle courses at Renaissance Rally, dress up on Spirit Days, go to WinterFest or Festival of Fools, eat In N' Out at Air Guitar. School isn't just about hard work; have fun too!

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  9. Brianna H - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshmen Should Know

    1. Don't procrastinate. You think you have lots of time to do your homework because you have two days, but you forget that because of block schedule, each class is equivalent to two normal classes, and the homework is equivalent to two days worth of homework.

    2. Use FIRE to your advantage. Whether or not you do your homework, you will still be stuck in a class for a 1/2 hour with a teacher and peers who can help you, so you might as well make the most of your time there.

    3. Similar to #2, get an agenda and use it. It will be useful. You will forget homework assignments and that agenda will be your best friend.

    4. If you need help, ask for it. As crazy as it might seem, teachers want to help you succeed. If that means going in and asking for help on every single math problem, then so be it. They will be happy that you wanted to understand the material, and you will be happy because now you can do well in the class.

    5. Don't burn yourself out. Honestly, your health is more important than a five point assignment. Get some sleep.

    6. Be yourself. One of the wonderful things about Foothill is people feel comfortable expressing themselves and you should too. Don't feel the need to conform to a certain type of person.

    7. Foothill may be difficult to adjust to at first (what with the block schedule, melodic bell, and friendly teachers). Don't worry. You'll get in the swing of things within a couple of weeks, and then everything will be peaches and cream.

    8. Foothill has lots of fun activities and clubs. Participate in them. Even if you feel uncomfortable at first, you'll soon make new friends.

    9. Take notes in class. It will be boring at the time, but you'll thank yourself when it comes time to take the test.

    10. If for some reason, you don't do well on your first test or quiz or essay, (and this is important) DON'T FREAK OUT. It is not the end of the world, and you're still smart enough for Foothill. Everyone has their off days, and one bad grade will not have you working in a fast food chain for the rest of your life. BREATHE.

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  10. Josh Ren FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshmen Should Know
    1. Don't procrastinate. Letting things pile up will always end up worse than if you do it as early as possible
    2. Pay attention. Teachers may say things that aren't necessarily in the notes or the textbook.
    3. Value your friends and appreciate them. They will help you get through the rough spots.
    4. Get to know your teachers. They are the key people who will develop your knowledge throughout high school.
    5. Know your A-G requirements so that you can plan which classes to take when so that you can successfully graduate high school.
    6.Don't change yourself to be accepted.
    7.Get involved with something that interests you (track, choir, art club, etc.)
    8. Keep your grades up, high school is when colleges look at your grades.
    9.Don't take classes that you know would be too strenuous on yourself. It would be better to take a class where you could actually learn than have to struggle.
    10.High school is a lot of fun, and you will have some of the best times of your life at this point. Enjoy it, have fun, but be safe and remember why you're in school in the first place.

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  11. Paris Shepherd-FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know:
    1. Be yourself. Your first year of highschool is tough, but being yourself starts you off on the right foot.
    2. Buy an agenda and use it! I know it seems like a waste of five bucks but trust me it keeps you oragnized and let's you keep track of important events.
    3. Get to know your classmates. Being placed in a classroom without any of you friends is a bummer but it is also a great way to make new ones so don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others.
    4. Do not Procrastinate. It is the worst feeling ever having to stay up all night just to finish an assignment that you waited until the night before to do.
    5. Join clubs. There are a lot of awesome clubs at Foothill that can get you new friends and further your education.
    6. Do not over commit yourself. There is a lot going on freshman year so don't kill yourself trying to squeeze in an honors class when you know there is no way to fit it into your busy schedule.
    7. Ask questions. If you don't understand something please ask questions because if you are confused about something chances are so are other students.
    8. Listen. Take your classes seriously by listening to what your teacher has to say. You will benefit from it!
    9. Study. Taking the time to prepare for tests and quizes will help you fully understand the material as well as earning you top scores.
    10. Enjoy freshman year! Freshman year is great so have fun because you only get to be a freshman in highschool once.

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  12. Tommy Grossman - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know:
    1) Find a supportive group of friends who you trust and enjoy spending time with. It is too stressful to be alone.
    2) Get plenty of rest. High school is very taxing on your body. Balancing clubs, sports, and school is not an easy task. Try to not let time go to waste and get as much sleep as you can.
    3) Be physically active, whether it is playing a sport or going to the gym. Staying active releases stress, keeps you healthy, and boosts your confidence. Do not let PE be your only source of physical activity.
    4) Have fun. High school should not just be about studying and overloading yourself with honors classes.
    5) Talk to your counselor if you are having trouble. It is there job to give advice, but only if you ask them.
    6) Think about the future and what you might want to do after school, but don't freak yourself worrying about it.
    7) Appreciate yourself and be confident. Do not try to be someone who you aren't.
    8) Do not be a follower. Be an individual. Following can lead you into trouble and shows lack of self-confidence.
    9) Try new clubs or classes. You may be pleasantly surprised and find something new that you enjoy and maybe pursue.
    10) Be respectful to your fellow students and your teachers. No one likes a bully or a rude student. You may also have to ask teachers for letters of recommendation, so leave a good impression.

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  13. 1)Take one day at a time.
    2)Do your homework when you get it/ and use FIRE to your advantage.
    3)Be friends with the teachers and councilor they will help you.
    4)Get the agenda and USE it.
    5)Take good notes that you can 100% understand.
    6)Be nice to everyone and don't just because someone is slightly different.
    7)Keep track of time. Time is key to life.
    8)Make sure you can handle your work load, but don't be afraid to not take an honors or ap class.
    9)Join a club. Great way to have friends in different places.
    10)Enjoy your high school life because it flies by.

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  14. 1)Be yourself. High school is not easy, and you’re going to meet a ton of new people. But just remember to be yourself and your true friends will accept you for who you really are.

    2)Be organized! Organization is the key to success. Six or more classes is very over whelming, and a binder with folders or dividers for each of your classes will help you a ton.

    3)Write in an agenda. Buy one from the student store or from somewhere else. This super important from knowing what homework you have, upcoming due dates and events for Foothill. I use post-it notes just as an extra reminder in my agenda for when something is coming up in the next week.

    4)Get to know as many people in your classes as you can. This is very helpful in class when you don’t have one of your really good friends in a class and the teacher assigns group or partner work. This way you always have someone to partner up with!

    5)Don’t procrastinate. Foothill schedule is very easy to procrastinate in, but it is also very helpful. With only 4 classes at the most Tuesday-Friday’s it’s easy to wait and do homework at the last minute. All that last minute homework does for you is ads stress, and high school is stressful enough.

    6)Get to know ATLEAST one of your teachers. This is very helpful with everything from being comfortable to ask for extra help in the class or you need some advice or to use their microwave.

    7)Try something new. High school is all about that weird transition from being in middle school to almost being an adult and going to college. Experience and try new things like joining a club, or taking a fun elective. Who knows, you might really enjoy it.

    8)Try not to miss school if you don’t have to. With the block schedule Tuesday-Friday’s each class is really like two classes for that day. That means double the make-up work!

    9)Think a head. I don’t mean in the next week, but in the next four years. Before you know it you’re going to be a senior and having to decide what college you want to go to and what classes to take. If you find something you enjoy in class and are interested in it, remember it! Get a feel in high school of subjects and electives you do and don’t like.

    10)Don’t overload yourself with work. Spread it out and slowly get through it.

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  15. Lauren D. -FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1)USE FIRE- it comes as a nice time to do homework during school rather than at home.
    2)IT'S BETTER NOT TO TALK TO PEOPLE WHO ARE WORKING- this time is for them, too. Be courteous if you have finished your work.
    3)DO HOMEWORK THE FIRST DAY- it is easy to procrastinate with a block schedule, but just remember you will have homework the next day and no one wants work over the weekend.
    4)TEACHERS WANT TO HELP- don't be afraid to ask.
    5)TEACHERS ARE SMART AND IN CHARGE- while it is good to strike up a healthy debate with some teachers, please remember that they do know their subjects rather well.
    6)STAY ORGANIZED- personally I really hate the feeling that I forgot something
    7)KEEP TRACK OF TIME- make sure there is always time to do work and play
    8)JOIN A CLUB OR A SPORT- it is a great way to meet people who love the same things you do
    9)STAY ON TOP OF SLEEP- I can not stress this enough. Sleep is a wonderful comfortable (usually) thing. During sleep you heal, breath better, and calm down your brain. It is definite relief from the stress of day-to-day life.
    10) KEEP CALM, AND BE YOURSELF- foothill has a very welcoming environment. You will find someone who likes the same things you do, just keep an open mind and heart.

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  16. Lizbeth C. -FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1) Don't be scared! No one is going to throw you in a trashcan. Yes, the upperclassman look big, but we're not going to hurt you.
    2) Be open to meeting new people. There are a lot of different people at Foothill. If you just open your mind you'll make some new friends.
    3) Have goals. It's good to have goals so you can see how many you can accomplish.
    4) Pay attention in class. Sooner or later the teachers are going to give you more, and harder homework. Make sure you pay attention in class so you start out the year well.
    5) Use FIRE! If you need help ask your FIRE leader or go ask the teacher. FIRE is the perfect opportunity to get help, and get your homework finished early.
    6) Don't procrastinate. It's hard to keep up, but it will be even harder to catch up if you leave everything off until "tomorrow."
    7) Be organized. It'll be easier to keep up.
    8) Learn how to manage your time efficiently. Don't waste time. Make a schedule of when you're going to to homework and stick to it.
    9) Take breaks. You don't have to work through something completely. Work on homework for half an hour, and reward yourself with a 5 minute break (Make sure not to go overboard! Don't waste time!).
    10) Have fun!!! Join clubs, make new friends, take fun classes. High school isn't all about working. You're still a kid! Go out with some friends. Don't stress too much, don't be grumpy. Don't be too serious, be silly. That's what being a kid is all about, and if you just remember to have fun sometimes, hopefully being in high school will give you some of the best times you've ever had.

    (P.S. Keep those grades up! Don't forget about Ren Rallies, and all the fun stuff you'll get to do when you're on Renaissance!)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lucy L. - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1) Don't procrastinate! Half of what makes high school so stressful isn't the workload but the students' failure to have good time management.
    2) Take advantage of FIRE. Since every freshman is forced to be in FIRE, you might as well take advantage of those 30 minutes and lighten your homework load.
    3) Stay organized. An organized binder isn't a necessity to get you through high school, but it cuts down on the time you spend digging through your backpack and makes life easier for both yourself and your teachers.
    4) Cut up your studying into manageable parts. Though studying might not be too pertinent to a freshman, developing good study habits is essential to avoiding stress and getting good grades in high school and throughout life.
    5) Ask your teachers for help. I know asking for help is the most dreaded task ever for some people, but if you need help, ask for it. Even if your peers are super smart, your teacher is most likely more qualified than your friend in tutoring. That being said, your FIRE leaders, other teachers, or your peers are excellent resources if your teacher is for whatever reason unavailable or too busy to help you.
    6) Join clubs (and not just to look good on paper). Even though college apps seem to be where the emphasis lies for pretty much everything, if you join clubs with that sort of mindset you won't enjoy yourself. Join clubs because you want to join them, not because it'll look good on paper. (Or, better yet, join clubs that you will both enjoy and be able to put on a college app, like KIWIN's! That was totally not a shameless advertisement)
    7) Don't skip out on sleep. If you're done with homework and you're debating whether you should watch YouTube videos or go to sleep, choose the latter. I can guarantee you that sleep will not be something you have an affluence of, especially during junior and senior year.
    8) Set goals. Don't just aimlessly wander through high school. Aim to be on Renaissance or to get straight A's, or to work up to it. My freshman year I was pretty much sleepwalking and looking back now, I regret not engaging myself in my classes (because yes, mitosis will come back in junior year, so pay attention in Biology and you will thank yourself later)
    9) Get to know your peers. You will most likely be spending the rest of your high school career with this same group of people, so you should start befriending them, or at least getting to know them. Even if your whole middle school clique made it into Foothill, reach out to other people. Be social. You can start small, with getting to know everyone in your FIRE class - social skills are invaluable in high school and life. Trust me.
    10) Have fun! Don't be overly dramatic and don't get too stressed about the little things. If you bomb a test, take it as an opportunity to amend your mistakes. If you get into a fight with your friend, make up with them. If you keep an open mindset, your high school career will just be more enjoyable overall.

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  18. Jenni Scott - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    (I'm gonna keep this simple and sweet and hopefully I'm not copying anyone elses)
    1) Do. Not. Procrastinate. Just don't do it, its not worth it.
    2) Be yourself! Have fun! (high school isn't forever so enjoy the ups and don't worry too much about the downs)
    3) Have a positive attitude
    4) Manage your time
    5) Don't be afraid of upperclassmen (we don't bite)
    6) Relax (don't stress out!)
    7) Use FIRE wisely (it can be a big help)
    8) Be prepared for class
    9) Get an agenda and use it as much as possible
    10) Treat others as you want to be treated (yeah i know its kinda cliche but its true, many students and especially teachers will treat you in the same way you treat them)

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  19. Kylie Valencia - Fire Crew 2013-2014 - 10 things every freshman should know
    1) Be yourself and have fun with your ideas
    2) Don't tolerate bullying (go to an administrator if seen on campus)
    3) Take the classes you are interested in
    4) Always be honest with your teachers
    5) Be kind to everyone because they are all as nervous as you
    6) Be positive and happy (highschool isnt scary)
    7) Dont Procrastinate
    8) Be Organized
    9)Teachers love to help you
    10) Use fire to get some work done so you dont have to do it later

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  20. Maddy O - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1) Don't be afraid to ask for help! That's what your FIRE leaders and teachers are there for.
    2)Be nice to everyone! You will be in school with these kids for the next four years of your life. Try not to start off on the wrong foot with any of them by being rude.
    3) Don't get into the habit of procrastinating. I know everyone says that but really, don't. Once you start it only gets worse.
    4)Don't overload your schedule with too many activities and hard classes. If you're focusing on too many things then you won't have the time or energy to do all of them well.
    5)Find something that you're passionate about. Whether its music, sports, or community service, it's important to find an activity that makes you happy that can help give you a break from the stress of school.
    6) Keep your grades up. Even though colleges don't care as much about your grades from freshman year its important to get in the habit of working hard in all your classes early.
    7) Don't take a class that you know will be too much for you. It's better to get an A in a college prep class that you enjoy than a B or C in an honors class that stresses you out too much.
    8)Enjoy your time here at Foothill. We all have to go through high school so while you're here you might as well enjoy it.
    9)Get enough sleep! Sleep is super important in order to focus at school. Get your homework done early and then go to sleep rather than watching TV all night.
    10)Make new friends. You will meet a lot of new people coming into high school. Become friends with as many as you can. This is especially important in those classes that you don't know anyone in. Make new friends rather than staying by yourself.

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  21. Karina Schink - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know
    1. That is okay to be scared/nervous.
    2. Not everyone will find friends the first day or even the first week, but they will.
    3. High school is not like the movies, and Foothill is not scary.
    4. It is okay to ask for help.
    5. No matter what you like or who you are, there is a place for you at Foothill, in clubs, classrooms, groups of friends.
    6. Basically anyone on campus will help you find your way around, just stop and ask.
    7. The teachers are practically all amiable and willing to help in any way.
    8. FIRE is meant to help you, so let it.
    9. Be less stressed about school/work/friends it will all fall into place.
    10. Help will always be available to those that are willing to seek it.

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  22. Paige Treloar-Ballard FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1. Use your agenda, even if you think you’ll remember all your assignments. You won’t.
    2. Use all the resources available at Foothill. You are extremely lucky to have them.
    3. Have confidence in what you do.
    4. Be respectful to your teachers and peers.
    5. Surround yourself with friends that will encourage you to be your best self. You will probably spend the next 4 years with these people so choose wisely.
    6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class. It only shows that you are paying attention; it has no correlation to your intelligence.
    7. Procrastination is a horrible cycle to get into. Try to get things done early so you will have time to sleep.
    8. Take the advice older students give you. They know what they’re talking about.
    9. Know that you will survive high school!
    10. Have fun! Although Foothill is known for its academic rigor, it is still high school and you should enjoy your experience.

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  24. Sandra Meliton - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1)Make sure to use your time wisely because the classes are going to become harder to handle.
    2)There's a lot of ways to get involved at Foothill for example ASB, the Bioscience Academy, and the Foothill Dragon Press.
    3)At Foothill we have extraordinary teachers so never be afraid to ask them for help.
    4)Using your FIRE class time is very helpful and allows you to stay on top.
    5)Although your classes will become overwhelming don't forget to get involved and have fun at Foothill.
    6)Advice from upper class students is really useful so don't be afraid to ask them for advice.
    7)Foothill is a very fun school filled with activities throughout the year so be prepare to have some fun.
    8)Avoid procrastination at all cost because not only will it get you behind on your school work but also affect your sleeping pattern.
    9)The people at our school are very friendly so don't be shy or afraid to make new friends.
    10)The resources offered to us at Foothill such as the Wiki and Student Connection are very helpful so use them!

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  25. Janine Raduechel - 10 things a freshman should know

    1) Write EVERYTHING down. You don't want to forget about an important assignment or due date.

    2)Ask for help when you need it. People at Foothill are very understanding so don't be afraid to ask.

    3)Don't procrastinate if you can avoid it. Trust me, it hurts you in the long run.

    4)Remember that every grade you get counts. Don't let your grades slip just because you are a freshman.

    5) Take as many honors or AP classes that you can handle/that you are good at. It will really help your GPA and it looks good for colleges.

    6) Expand your horizons. Try new things and find new friends (you can still keep your old friends. You may find out some things about yourself that you never knew.

    7) Try to be mature. You are in high school now and most likely people will not enjoy your immaturity as much as they might have in middle school.

    8) Take advantage of FIRE and class time. You may not think the extra time is useful or that you don't need to know something you are learning in class, but trust me, every little bit helps.

    9) Keep track of your grades on Zangle. You don't want to get behind and realize it a little too late. (On a side note, keep your passwords for everything written down in a safe place so you don't forget them)

    10) Last but not least, have fun. High school is a time for growing up and working on yourself, as well as working hard, but don't forget to have fun on the way. These next 4 years are going to be a whole new experience that you don't want to forget.

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  26. Gwendolyn R- FIRE Crew 2013-2014- 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1.) Be yourself. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are unworthy or “uncool”, because you are! Everyone is unique in their own special way. So don’t ever be afraid to just be YOU.

    2.) Grades always matter, freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior. When applying for colleges, they look at EVERYTHING. So always do your best, be your best and be who you want to become.

    3.) It is always important to treat people the way you would like to be treated. So don’t be rude, be polite and attentive to your teachers and classmates and I assure you that you will gain the same respect.

    4.) Joining school clubs might sound lame in your mind. But did you know that joining a school club looks good on your college application? Well it does! Foothill offers numerous of fine, fun clubs with open arms. Find what you like and join in!

    5.) Making friends can be hard, but making the right friends can be harder. Surround yourself with people who want to succeed and can push you to follow your dreams and goals.

    6.) I know using your cell phone in class may be tempting. But trust me, what you are learning in school is far more important than something that can wait. So put those cell phones on silent and soak up as much information as you can with the advantage of free education.

    7.) Organization is the first stepping stone to success. Having a school agenda is the best way to go, that way you never miss an assignment or to study for an upcoming test/quiz. School agendas can be purchased at the student store for $5.

    8.) Buying a school lunch can add up and be very expensive, not to mention the long line you have to wait to buy your lunch in the cafeteria. I would suggest bringing your own lunch for the first couple weeks of school so by the time everybody is in their own groove, and organized, the lunch line won’t be as chaotic.

    9.) Testing is what Foothill is known for. Not everybody is a good test taker or may suffer from test anxiety. Do know that a test is not a reflection of who you are but only what you know. So just study as hard as you can and do your best!

    10.) Foothill offers a great Art program, from Art 1, to AP Art. Not an artist? How do you know if you don’t try? I would suggest taking Art 1 as a freshman with Mr. Frazier. You have a great opportunity to try something new or excel at something you’re good at. Take the advantage of different electives to see what you like!

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  27. Glenda Marshall - 10 things every freshmen should know
    1) If you respect your teachers they will respect you.
    2) Do not be afraid to go visit your teachers and ask for help at FIRE. That is what FIRE is for!
    3) Get to know your counselor well. They will be of utmost aid to you when junior year rolls around.
    4) Join any club you even THINK you are interested in freshmen year. Colleges love to see that you have shown dedication to extra curriculars all four years.
    5) Keep all your EDA notes about using the wiki. Trust me, you will need them later on.
    6) Use your agenda or forever be sorry.
    7) Do not hesitate to walk up to a new group of people in the first few weeks of school. You may think it's awkward, but Foothill is very different than your middle school (that's guaranteed) and I think you will find that many people are switching groups and friends in the very beginning.
    8) DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Just because you have an extra day to do your homework doesn't mean you should leave it until the last moment.
    9) Learn time management. Do not decide that a 5-minute Facebook break is what you need to help you study.
    10) Don't forget to have fun. I know high school is stressful but remember that life is not about grades.

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  28. 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know - Sarah Jackson
    1) Don’t be afraid to branch out and make new friends!
    2) Use your agenda. It really will help you stay organized and on top of homework, due dates and important events. You can’t just trust your brain to remember everything!
    3) Learn which methods of studying work best for you. Whether it is making flashcards, reading the chapters over, or copying down your notes again, as long as it works for you, you are sure to be successful.
    4) Learn to manage your time well…in other words DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Really, don’t wait to the last minute to do an assignment that you have known about for some time, do your best to finish it when it is assigned! It will make your life so much easier.
    5) Do not be afraid to ask for help. There is no such thing as a stupid question. The teachers at Foothill want you to learn and love it when you ask questions. The same goes for your FIRE leaders. We are all here to help you learn and make it through these next four years of your life.
    6) Make an effort to get to know you counselor. They will be a big help when it comes time to choose classes and help with your college application process!
    7) Listen to the announcements. The announcements have important dates, community service opportunities, club meeting dates, sports bus information, and other information that could be something you need to know!
    8) Take advantage of your time in FIRE to get work done! You will be thankful to have more free time when you get home!
    9) Stay well rested. Be sure to get to bed at a reasonable hour every night. Trust me, sleep will become your new best friend.
    10) Don’t forget to make time for fun! These four years will fly by, and you don’t want to spend them stressed out! Make time to hang out with friends and family. Remember to let yourself forget about school every once in a while!

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  29. 1.)Be yourself: DO NOT try to be someone that you are not.
    2.Extra Credit: DO ALL extra credit, you never when it can help boost your grade!
    3.)Notes: Take excellent notes, because Lord knows how important notes are to a Foothillian.
    4.)F.I.R.E: Utilize F.I.R.E; it is a great and resourceful tool to use. Whether it be just to ask a teacher for help, or
    5.)DO NOT PROCRASTINATE
    6.)Study and prepare for all tests: Even if you think you’ll get an A on a test, still study!
    7.)Absent Work: When you are absent, make sure to get the homework. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to get the homework for you.
    8.)Be Organized: Always have a binder, backpack, supplies, etc.
    9.)Stay on top of Community Service
    10.)DO NOT BE AFRAID OF HIGH SCHOOL: The tales of upper class being mean of the Freshman are mostly just rumors!

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  30. 1) Always prepare for upcoming tests and project, "winging it" never works.

    2) Learn to manage your time! Do not procrastinate! It will only make your work loads heavier.

    3) Sleep. Never underestimate the impact that an extra hour of sleep can have on your academic performance.

    4) Stay on track. Grades always matter! Do not let a few distractions keep you from attending the college of your dreams.

    5) Volunteer. There are so many amazing opportunities out there for you to try. Giving back to the community helps you become a stronger selfless leader in many aspects of your life.

    6) Get out of your comfort zone. The more things you are involved in, the more fun you will have in High School.

    7) Take some time to learn about yourself, discover hidden talents, and define your personality.

    8) Make new friends!

    9) Remember to enjoy yourself!!! You might be thinking that many changes will be taking place in the upcoming years... they will, but have fun along the way!

    10) We were all freshmen once and have gone through the same anxiousness that you're going through, but we learned that the only thing to fear, is fear itself. Foothill has a welcoming atmosphere that any person will love.

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  31. Norint T - FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1) Be prepared to take on high school at Foothill Technology! It is completely different than your average middle school, and is a great leap forward towards fantastical knowledge to come!

    2) Make sure to stay organized, it will greatly help you when you need to find that one paper from 7 months ago for your final.

    3) Do not fall asleep in class! What sounds the teachers project throughout their mouths at Foothill are most of the time quite important.

    4) Try to complete all homework assignments. They will be extremely helpful when called upon to study for a test, and you can ask questions about cloudy concepts before the test date is reached.

    5) Sleep! As much as hanging out with friends is fun and all, really try to make time for a good nights rest.

    6) Make sure you know where your priorities lie. I for one should not have put so much time into my sport, for I am not going to make it to the pros. I know that I will be contributing to society in a much less glamorous way.

    7) Get to know your classmates, they probably should be all nice. It's not completely like middle school, maybe almost the opposite here at Foothill. We are all loving people; make new friends and enjoy your experience in high school.

    8) Get to know your teachers as well. They will be thrilled to have the opportunity to actually meet you. And they'll probably answer your questions better too.

    9) Do not worry about the 9th grade project that you receive at the beginning of the year. Public speaking is no as scary as many would think. Its quite calming actually. And just stay on task, what proceeds should be a breeze.

    10) Many people say do not procrastinate. I say do whatever the hay you want; as long as you finish the homework with authenticity and quality.

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  32. Ariana V. -FIRE Crew 2013-2014- What Every Freshman Should Know
    1) You CAN do this.
    2) Take it one day at a time
    3) Never, EVER procrastinate
    4) Shoot to get at LEAST 8 hours of sleep per night
    5) Don't be shy, Foothill is accepting :)
    6) Stay away from drama
    7) Establish relationships with your teachers- they're here to help!
    8)Don't hesitate to ask questions!
    9) Keep your binder and backpack organized. It helps to know where your homework is
    10) Above all else: KEEP CALM. Don't ever stress- there are always people that can help you.

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  33. Ian McMillan: FIRE Crew 2013-2014 -What Every Freshman Should Know-
    1. Don't buy any school supplies until the first day of school; this way you'll know exactly what you need. of course you can buy pencils, pens, backpack, paper and binder and other essential things for school, but most classes have special things they need such as: a certain amount of dividers, a certain type of calculator, maybe flash cards or a notebook, highlighters, books to annotate, and the list goes on. Instead of buying everything you could possibly need, wait a little so you just have what you actually do need.

    2. Don't over-extend yourself. taking all honors classes or all AP classes is never a good idea. I've seen many of my friends falter under the pressure.

    3. Always do your homework. Homework is most likely the easiest way to get credit for a class, and when you do the homework it usually helps you do well on the tests.

    4. Don't be afraid to ask questions (especially if you're taking Spanish). If you have a question, I am 100% positive that someone else was thinking about the same question. It will also raise the confidence of your fellow classmates to ask questions, pulling the pressure off of you every now and then.

    5. Have fun. Just because you are at school doesn't mean you can't have fun at school. Don't cause a disturbance, but there is always a way you can have some fun in the classroom. I recommend the class Drama (Oral Interpretation) if you are looking for a class where you can stand up, move around and make friends, instead of cramming knowledge 24/7.

    6. Respect the people around you. No one looks for enemies when they see people, they want to find friends. Foothill is a nice learning place, and if you let go of past feuds with peers as well, you will feel much more comfortable.

    7. Figure out how you get your work done. My dad always tells me to go home and do my work straightaway, but over the years at Foothill i have found that working at night is when i work best, because i have time to relax. However, this doesn't mean just forget about homework or projects. I have to make sure that I don't have anything to do at night, always plan about when you are doing homework. As a freshman, FIRE is a great way to get homework out of the way so you don't have to do it later.

    8. Relax. Try to find some time in your schedule to play video games, watch TV, or do any hobbies you enjoy. Otherwise, you will lose motivation much more quickly.

    9. Join classes you think you'll enjoy. I am in Drama 2 this year, and it is the most fun I've had at school. Clubs can also be a good way to express your uniqueness and creativity. Things like this at school help rejuvenate you and your mind.

    10. Pay attention in class. No matter how "Easy" you think a class is, once you start goofing off or zoning out, that's when it starts to get hard. Also, not paying attention is not respectful to teachers, and even though the staff at Foothill is amazing, they will still snap at you.

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  34. Andrew G.- FIRE Crew 2013-2014 - 10 Things Every Freshman Should Know

    1)Always have supplies
    2)Get organized
    3)Stay calm
    4)Plan schedule
    5)Don't take more than you can handle
    6)Get help if needed
    7)Don't through out assignments, they may be needed later
    8)Do your best
    9)Help others
    10)Be friendly

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