Montclair High School: Back In Session

There is, truthfully, no way to begin this article except with the simple fact that the 2012-2013 school has, indeed, begun.

I could’ve opened this article with rants about how the next eight to nine months are a prison sentence dedicated solely to depleting my mental health. I easily could have cheerily applauded this return to academia, praising the scent of its books and the crisp points of its pencils.

However choosing a side wouldn’t be right considering there is no one right answer. Throughout the grades, every kid has their own praises and misgivings about their return to MHS.

For MHS seniors, there are surprisingly mixed feelings. On one hand, they are now the kings of the school, and one final step closer to graduating and college.

“I just love being a senior because I’m on top of the world,” jokes one newly minted senior.  

“Its like the homestretch, the final year before college. Who wouldn’t be excited?” claims another.

On the other hand, they have the crush of the college process. With the first peal of the school bell, not only have classes begun; but applications as well.

“Being back at schools means I actually have to start buckling down with my college applications. It makes the process so real,” explains senior Ryan Roder.  

Nestled underneath the mighty (yet slightly stressed) seniors are the juniors, who have been ripped from the comfortable cocoons of their sophomore year and thrust into the harsh light of academic reality! Not only is it time for them to really buckle down on schoolwork, but it’s also the beginning of the college searching process, which means SATs and college tours. This leaves many juniors uncertain about the upcoming year.

“Yeah my classes are harder, which means it’ll be a little more difficult to balance them with crew, but I’m more nervous for SATs and ACTs,” says junior Sasha Baker. “I think that’s what’s really stressing me out about this year- having to take those tests.”

The sophomores- no longer the dust mites on the food chain of the high school- have now integrated themselves into the main building, blending into the upperclassmen crowd. But getting to call themselves “upperclassmen” comes with the hefty price of a much heavier workload and more responsibilities.

“Sophomore year is definitely harder than freshmen year. We’ve only had four days of school and I already have so much to balance- with field hockey and homework. So far, I haven’t gone to bed before midnight!” says sophomore Caitlin Kennedy. “However, while it is more work, I like not being a freshman anymore.”  

To replace the sophomores, who have moved up in the world, comes a fresh crop of freshman; class of 2016. They now occupy the annex and assume the status of peasants. Once eighth grade big shots, they now find themselves in the high school environment complete with older kids, confusing hallways that seemingly lead to nowhere, tougher schedules and different social dynamics.

“It’s weird being in a school with such big kids,” sheepishly admits one freshman.

“Being in the high school was a little scary at first, I found myself getting lost a lot, but I’ve gotten better at getting around,” says freshman Ashley Getchel. “I only had to look at my schedule twice today!”

Freshman Lucie McCarthy agrees, “I’ve actually become used to the high school a lot more quickly than I thought I would. It’s not that scary at all- it’s actually fun!”

The skies are darkening earlier and the leaves are falling from the trees, summer break is long gone and the 2012-2013 school year is here to stay. Whether MHS students are pleased or vexed by this change is up to them. Either way, pick up your pencils and books MHS; whether you like it or not…it’s time to get back to work!