![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![Math teacher Austin Bennett observes seventh period students step to the board to solve Equation of Circle problems May 2. Bennett has been teaching for a total of four years, with only two of those years spent as a Jag. He hopes after his time as a high school teacher to become a professor. [College math] is more challenging, and its good to challenge yourself, Bennett said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0147-1200x900.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
The beginning of school can be an exciting time for students everywhere.
About two months ago, many students began their first, second, third or fourth year in high school. They had to adapt to the new year after being on summer break for a few months. Freshmen may have been, and may still be, nervous for their first year of high school, while many seniors look to their futures.
Many students may not have been too happy about returning to school, as summer is their biggest break.
After so many days of staying up late, sleeping in and not having homework, the start of first quarter’s abrupt change to waking up early and going to class at 7:35 a.m. was a sudden change.
Some students may have enjoyed the return to school. Others may have opposed it.
It is important to note factors for those enjoying versus disliking the return. For example, if students enjoy their class, or if they had uneventful–or packed–summers.
Busy schedules can prevent students from connecting with their friends, so the return to school may offer a chance to change that.
It’s not just seeing friends again, though. Many students joined clubs, sports and activities during the first quarter that weren’t available over the summer.
For example, in high school, fall offers football, volleyball, softball and many other sports during the fall season, with many more to come.
“I’m feeling pretty eager to continue onto the next phases of my life, but the biggest challenges that this year provides are simply maintaining a balance of life: reserving time in my day for school, work, social life and personal wellness,” senior Jackson Hitchler said. “All I hope for this year is to catch more of the basketball games. They’re always a blast to see.”
Overall, going surviving the first quarter every year can be a challenge, or can be fairly easy for students. Eventually, though, everyone gets back into their system and finds their place.
Either way, this new year has something interesting to offer for everybody. Good luck in these next three quarters!