Insight - Freshman night at WHS - By Michelle Libby

Graduating from high school is a huge milestone and as most of you know, I have a senior graduating this year. However, there is another transition happening at our house. My youngest is entering Windham High School this upcoming fall. Monday night, Principal Chris Howell and his staff welcomed incoming freshman, the class of 2018 to the school to visit and to hear about what’s going to happen over the next four years.

There were a number of us in the audience who were experiencing the talk with the perspective of a parent with one child leaving WHS and one entering. 

Principal Howell rattled off some interesting trivia about Windham High School. He told the group that there are approximately 1050 students and 138 staff members and when in session, it is larger than most small towns in Maine. The building takes up four and a half acres. (No wonder parent nights are so exhausting.)

One of the goals for the students from now on is “What is your plan?” This will be asked over and over to these teens. What is your plan for classes freshman year and how does that help toward your overall plan of being an astronaut? What is your plan for getting your work completed over the summer because all classes have summer reading homework? 

Howell also touched on freshman seminar where there will be speakers and others discussing everything from study habits to digital citizenship. 

What is your plan for after high school is over? 

Going into high school is a scary endeavor for freshman. New school, new teachers, new way of thinking, and so many more choices. For parents it’s another learning experience with the push and pull of helping your child and letting them have enough freedom to feel accomplishment. 

Use the resources the school provides. Check Infinite Campus even if your child says all the work is done. Use email to contact teachers and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

I can’t believe how fast time has gone and I’m pretty sure my son didn’t skip any grades, so here we are on the click, click, click up the rollercoaster. Good thing my seatbelt is fastened…

Michelle Libby