By Diamond Bowers-Curtis and Autisha Brown Crusaders’ Chronicle
The class of 2019 is ready to become King Crusaders! Members of the freshmen class are excited about becoming high school students and happy that there are more freedoms.
“High school is a big change for me; there’s more freedom, more children, and more responsibility,” said freshman Damyah Brown.
Freshman Eddie Stewart said, “I like the activities a lot and the games are more exciting than middle school.”
While some freshmen are noticing all the differences, some recognize that there are still similarities between middle school and high school.
“The food is the same as middle school and high school teachers give out more work,” said freshman Alexis Brown.
To eliminate potential problems, the school’s staff has been trained to handle behavioral problems.
“Typically with behavior issues we try to counsel the students, talk to them about issues so that we can work them out in a peacefully manner,” said assistant principal Pashawn Lee. “Our initial step is to get the student with the counselor to have a conversation. Usually we can work out situations where it’s just something that needs to be clarified.”
As Crusaders, the ninth grade staff has high expectations and work diligently in enforcing norms and expectations.
“My expectation for the ninth graders is that they are college and career ready,” said Lee.
Freshmen have their own entrance to get to Determination Drive. This is where the ninth grade academy is located.
“The focus for keeping the ninth grade separate is to make sure they have a foot to stand on by giving them their own community so that they can become a Crusader without interference from 12th, 11th, and even 10th graders,” said Lee.
The ninth grade counselor, Sonya Griggs, has a very important job moving the kids on to the next grade.
“All students should have six credits for the 23 at the end for graduation,” said Griggs. “If they need tutorial services we try to help the students.”
As a ninth grader, sometimes students may have difficult situations and need help. The counselor’s job is to make sure whatever they need is put in place. “I love high school,” said freshman Shanoria Scott.
