HELLO FROM a graduated senior! Your high school experience is just beginning. A little introduction: this is the school newspaper, the “Tri-color Times”. Each time a new issue drops, you can read about a variety of topics and know just what’s going on around Granger. We, the newspaper staff, want to welcome you to Granger and give you a few tips for being successful.

Gone are the days of junior high, and in comes the most crucial time of your lives thus far. Your first few weeks of school might be rough; you have to find your classes, memorize the school layout, adjust to grades in high school, and so much more. Let’s take it one step at a time.

Finding your classes can be tricky. Granger High is a big school, and it might be overwhelming to navigate. Luckily for you, the school’s layout is designed in such a way that it’s easy to memorize. Starting in D-hall, following the main path, each hall goes up alphabetically. If your class is in the 100s, then it will be on the first floor. 200s are on the second. 

Even with a relatively easy layout, you might get lost. Other students may seem scary, but you can always ask for help. They’ll probably be able to tell you’re a freshman, so don’t worry. Upperclassmen know their way around.

When walking through the halls, move at a good pace. Don’t block others’ way, and don’t flat-tire someone.

Grading in high school is different from junior high. Back then, your grades didn’t matter outside of school. Now, the grades you receive will be on your high school transcript and affect your GPA. So many of the people I know wish they took grades more seriously their first year. In other words, it’s time to lock in. These grades matter to colleges and can affect scholarships, so take note!

Now here’s a little more of an “unofficial guide” to Granger. If you can, avoid the bathrooms unless absolutely necessary! They are often dirtied by students and smell bad. Also, they aren’t a hangout spot, so don’t linger!

At lunchtime, find a spot and stick with it. It’s annoying when people take your unassigned assigned table. Also, leaving campus for lunch can be fun sometimes, but don’t go overboard. Make it a habit, and you’re sure to accrue tardies. 

Socially, don’t take things too personally. You are a freshman; when the other classes boo you at assemblies, it’s not personal. It’s just tough love. I promise you, you will be booing the next freshmen class, too.

All in all, high school is fun. Once you get adjusted, you will start to like it here. Granger sometimes gets a bad rap. It’s why we have so much school spirit. Be proud to be a Lancer! Find new friends, be kind to others, focus on your grades, and talk to your teachers. Class of 2028, strap in. Get ready for four tumultuous, exciting, years. They’ll be over before you know it.