MHS Musings: Back to School

The first day of my sophomore year at Millburn High School was very different from the first day last September when I entered high school as a freshman.

For one, the issue of hazing and bullying seems to be almost, if not completely, nonexistent. Because of the hugely successful Senior Ambassador Program, freshmen flawlessly found their way to their classes and have already become acclimated to their teachers, peers and surroundings.

In addition, now as sophomores (and apparently too old for regular class orientation on the first day), classes kicked off right away. Teachers began diving into this year's course material and some even assigned homework! Though I'm convinced my classes will be once again very difficult, I know the classes I am taking are interesting and all the teachers are nice.

The MHS Class of 2011 started the day by heading to Neigel Field to take the class picture, partake in a bagel breakfast, compliment each others' senior shirts (it has become tradition for seniors to wear custom-made shirts on the first day of school to celebrate their senior...ness), and compete in the Car Decorating Contest. From there, the seniors took to the gym, where Principal Bill Miron and the administration reviewed with them school rules and procedures, any changes in the school since last year and the seniors' responsibilities to act as good role models towards the lower grades.

The freshman class started the day with their orientation. Freshmen also met with the administration for an assembly and spent time with their homeroom teachers, who helped individual students with personal needs and confusions and handed out important information like class schedules.

Sophomores and juniors began the day at 9:15 a.m. for homeroom, where they received their schedules.

At 9:37, the bell rang, beginning a shortened full day of all eight classes for all four grades.

Once the final bell rang at 2:32 p.m., the school day wasn't necessarily finished for most students. Students rushed to athletic practices and games (the fall sports season is already in full swing), to spend time with their friends or catch up with old teachers or to audition for this year's fall musical, "Into the Woods."

So all in all, it looks like this year will be a very promising one for Millburn High School, the number one public high school in the state (which was proudly advertised on staff members' polo shirts), but I think the school's sign on the front lawn summed it up nicely: Classes and homework and tests... oh my!