Skip To Main Content

Freshmen

Your 9th grade year should be focused on your commitment to graduation. 

The time is NOW to plan ahead and set goals for your future. These tips are provided by Jostens.

  • Establish a relationship with your school counselor. The transition from 8th grade to 9th grade can be the most challenging school transition. Your counselor is experienced in working with freshmen on academics, college/career preparation, and providing social/emotional support.
  • Sign up for at least 1 AP or College in the High School course. Challenge yourself!
  • Develop a personal graduation plan. Learn the requirements for OHS now, and make a list of classes you plan to take each year in order to complete all of your graduation requirements with the rest of your elective classes. 
  • Every grade counts. Your overall GPA starts with your freshman year. Focus on academics and make the personal choice to succeed in the classroom along with your social and extracurricular experiences. You are not JUST a Freshman, you are NOW a Freshman!
  • Be Involved! Join at least 1 club or team at OHS. We cannot stress this enough! Just attend, sign up and be present in more than just the classroom. Future jobs, colleges, programs will weigh your value on applications heavily on how you lean in and define yourself as a student or teammate. 
  • Volunteer in your community. Make a goal to donate in school drives, respond to volunteer requests and reach out in town when you see a need. OHS requires a minimum of 25 hours in these next 4 years to graduate. Do not wait until your busy senior year - make your mark now!
  • Start researching career programs and colleges in preparation for the future. Find out entrance requirements. Many times college requirements are different and separate from OHS graduation requirements. Once you finalize your future goals this year or later on, relay that to your Counselor so they can make sure your schedule will math their requitements. 
  • In the spring, learn to read your high school transcript before selecting courses for your Sophomore year. Your Counselor will also help guide you on registration day.