There are a little over five hundred freshmen now roaming the Guilford hallways. About 60% are here from Eisenhower, 30% are from West, and the other 10% are from other schools. For each classroom, there are approximately 25-26 students.

   “This year, in a good way, the students seem to be a lot more goofball-ish,” said Mr Anthony Cappriotti, math teacher.

   Like any students new to a school, freshmen have had to adapt to the new policies and the dress code.

   “I feel that the phone policy that has been placed is good because it should really keep students more focused in their work,” said Natalia Granados. “As for the tardy policy, I don’t have much of an issue with it, but I do wish they would give us a warning.”

   Teachers and counselors continually encourage freshmen to try their best so that later on they can get college credits and be prepared for a job. So far, 79% are on track to graduate and can understand the importance of staying focused and being ready.

   “They seem to be taking interest in the jobs they currently have while they’re enthusiastically looking for jobs also,” said Mrs. Michelle Gahan, college and career and global studies teacher. 

    The top three popular freshman electives are Studio Art, Spanish 1 and Intro to Woodshop. In addition, all students take required courses: English, math, science, Physical Education, and Freshman Seminar.

   “I feel like when school first started I fit in pretty well,” said Alex Ross. “However, I don’t very well enjoy English because it is a challenge for me.”

   Most students first semester have had trouble finding their way around school, while others struggle to get from their locker to class on time. By second semester, however, most have managed to work through these issues.

   “I had difficulty with my locker because it was so small,” said Milica Angelic, “so I eventually figured out that not using them at all was the better solution.”

   During the month of October, all RPS205 freshmen participated in the annual Career Expo. Guilford students did such a splendid job at behaving and having great manners when interacting with volunteers that they earned an award and a pizza party for best participation in the Expo.

   “Many students have grown a lot in their work ethic,” said Mrs. Teodora Lojanica, global studies teacher, “and they were able to stay strong and work together.”

   One serious issue concerning freshmen this year has been the unusually high number of fights, which have sometimes disrupted the learning environment.

   “Students seem to have issues outside of the classroom,” said Mr. Denny Didich, global studies teacher, “but in the classroom, they seem to get along just fine.”

   Along with that, some teachers say there are more problems in classrooms as well as outside but the majority do have less problems getting along with each other.

   “There are many new students who are enthusiastic about their work,” said Mrs. Mickey Swart, English teacher. “While there are some who are happy about school, there are others who are not so much.”

   One issue that has caused some confusion has been the change in bus drop-off location. However, many have been able to find something better than their buses–new friendships.

   “I feel like the changes with the bus schedule have been very terrible and unorganized, and it’s even harder because I have two different buses,” said Derrick Allen. “However, I feel better, though, because I have met some really cool people.”

   Now that the school  class has advanced into second semester, some teachers have noticed an improvement in freshman attitudes towards their classes.

   “I have noticed a bit of a change,“ said Mr. AbdurReyhman Syed, math teacher. “They seem to be a lot more quiet and focused than they were before.”

   All in all, after the confusion of moving to a new school, most freshmen have met new friends and tried out new things, like joining a club or trying out for sports.

   “My biggest worry of this year was that I would have trouble making friends,” said Esther Amina, “but I made new ones and it turned out to be great.”