New Year Brings Challenges for Juniors at Portsmouth High School

Portsmouth High School will open its doors at 120 Education Lane to new students this year on Sept. 1. However, for the incoming freshmen, an introduction to the school began days before the big day.

Freshmen orientation was held at the Education Lane building today. Several members of the high school's faculty volunteered to greet the students and show them around the high school.

Approximately 25 members of this year's senior class have also volunteered to serve as mentors to the new students, according to Principal Robert E. Littlefield.

The first day of school for all students in grades 9 to 12 will be Sept. 1, starting with the first bell at 7:25 a.m. Students will report to their advisory groups for the first 20 minutes before classes begin.

Littlefield said he hopes, for this year, "to continue with our theme of encouraging respect throughout our learning community."

This year's junior class will face the biggest challenges this year at the high school. The Class of 2012 is the first group of student facing the new statewide graduation requirements.

Beginning with the Class of 2012, students must attain a score of "partially proficient" or better on the English and mathematics assessments. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency by retaking the state tests, passing other tests, or submitting other evidence of proficiency.

Beginning in October, juniors will take the New England Common Assessments Program (NECAP) tests. These tests are part of the new statewide high school graduation requirements.

Students must obtain a score of 2 out of 4, according to Littlefield, in order to graduate high school.

To prepare the 277 students of the junior class, Littlefield said the school would provide studying opportunities "not just in math, but in all courses across the board."

Testing for NECAP will begin the first week of October.

Juniors will be required to complete tests two days a week for three weeks. Testing will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

"We will rearrange class periods so kids don't miss the required classes," Littlefield said.

Portsmouth High School will also begin implementing "individual learning plans" this year, said Littlefield.

"We've asked the students and advisors to think about the student's future education and plans," he said.

Students, throughout the year, will participate in a variety of activities to focus on their goals. Such activities will guide them toward answering questions, such as "What are my study habits" and "What is my learning style?"

"I hope that we keep our standards high and our expectations clear," Littlefield said. "It's a wonderful thing to hold students to high standards, but it's important that those standards are clear and that students can understand them."

For more information about the first day at Portsmouth High School, please visit the school's Web site here.