Happy spring everyone! There are now only three months before school is out for the summer. My, oh my, how time flies when you are having fun!

For our freshmen, this year was a shock to their systems. It was a shock in terms of being on the bottom rung in the pecking order in our high school community after being the top dogs at the junior high. It was also a shock in terms of credits, passing all seven classes, and being on track for graduation, etc. No more was it possible to just pass along without meeting standards. It is a year of trial and error to fit into a high school system that is unforgiving when it comes to failing classes, and a stiff discipline policy that is unbending when it comes to accountability. Graduation four years from now is a must for these young people. There is no option in this matter.

For the sophomores, it has been a trying year of grooming and hard work with endless preparation to take the AIMS and hopefully pass it. Our sophomores just completed the AIMS in reading and writing during the last week of February, and are gearing up to take math the first few days of April before we go on spring break. We have challenged our sophomores to an 80% passage in reading and writing, and 60% passage in math. A big “luau” will be forthcoming if our tenth graders meet this ambitious goal.

For the junior class, it has been a year of preparation to take over the leadership of the school as they approach their senior year. They can hardly wait to take over the reigns and be the ones who “rule the school.”

For the seniors, it is the end of a journey into adulthood that began some thirteen years ago. The world of work will soon open up to most of them, and for some to continue on to another phase of higher education. They will soon be earning a living, rearing families, and staring at real life in the face. They will soon find out if their high school education has prepared them well to live in these uncertain economic times we are currently facing as a nation.

Remember we want to end the year with a strong finish. Don’t let up or give up on your studies. We are shooting for no “F’s” as a school this semester.

Have a great spring and don’t forget to smile.

Pat Ena, Vice Principal