Freshmen – as well as new transfers – may be overwhelmed with the West High School experience. Especially during this hectic period in the school year. Here are a few tips and tricks from our staff to hit the ground running during your first year at West.
1. Follow West Side Story on social media. West Side Story’s main purpose is to keep parents and students informed about things happening on campus, such as deadlines, changes in policy, test dates and events on campus. http://westsidestory.net
2. Get involved in extracurriculars. Extracurriculars are a great way to connect with likeminded people you would probably only pass in the hall.
3. Meet your counselor. West High’s counseling staff is here to help its students and as busy as they are at this time of the year, it’s good to have an established relationship with your counselor.
Last Names A-C Counselor Kelly Ezell 423 581-1600 ext. 45012
Last Names D-He Counselor Tenesha Bullington 423 581-1600 ext.45014
Last Names Hi-Mi Counselor Erica Gillett 423 581-1600 ext. 45011
Last Names Mo-R Counselor Renae Byrd 423 581-1600 ext. 45015
Last Names S-Z Counselor Melanie Justis 423 581-1600 ext. 45013
Counseling Office Secretary Aimee Howerton 423 581-1600 ext. 45010
4. Get to know your teachers. Your teachers are here to help you further your career at West and building relationships with your teachers can lead to opportunities later in your academic career.
5. Take detailed notes. For freshmen especially, high school can be a bit of a culture shock if you aren’t prepared for the workload. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to take diligent notes.
6. Take care of your laptop. Throughout your career at West you will find yourself using a laptop. Since most classes have at least a portion of their work on laptops it is important to keep that workspace clean and protected via laptop sleeve.