Advice for Underclassmen

FRESHMEN

 by Anna Musarra

   Freshmen, it is very important to start off your high school career at a high level, because remember: you generally won’t be able to change your transcript once you get started. In addition, freshman year is the only year you have a clean slate. Use this clean record to your advantage, and get a good start to high school!

   Along with your academic slate, your social slate is also clean at the beginning of your freshman year, at least with the upperclassmen and faculty. Respect them! Even if you’re scared of high school, really the only reason freshmen ever get picked on for being freshmen is by other freshmen (and in most instances, it's just your friends being stupid).

   Over all, it is imperative to have good habits, for they will stay with you for the rest of your life. Make good habits, and try to break the ones that will hold you back. Only you can change your work ethic, studying time, behavior, and attitude.

SOPHOMORES

by Adam Roberts

   Congratulations, new sophomores. You survived your first year of high school! You are no longer at the bottom of the heap, and you’ve probably figured out the frightening and confusing labyrinth of Platteville High School. Having already completed sophomore year, I’ve been assigned to give you some advice.  

   Generally, the work load sophomore year is considerably lighter than that of junior and senior years.  Therefore, sophomore year is a great opportunity to try new things! PHS has many clubs and organizations that cater to different interests, and I would highly recommend joining something new this year that you might not have been brave enough to join last year. 
   This next one may be a little more difficult, but I would advise you to be nice to the freshmen. They will be in school with you for the next three years, so now would be a good time to start some new friendships. Do you remember the sophomores that helped you out last year? Try to be one of those for the new freshmen.