How is the class of 2028 adjusting to their first year of high school?
With the Class of 2028 arriving to their first year of high school, it’s the first time in 11 years that Ventura High School has had a new generation, Gen Alpha. High school has brought many changes from the previous middle schools such as block schedule, new environment and peers. The freshmen at VHS have been introduced to new school sports, clubs and school spirit.
VHS ASB works to make school spirit a prominent part of our school and is a big part of freshman’s first impressions on campus. Steven Mayorga ‘28, who previously attended Cabrillo Middle School, said, “The rally was super fun, Ventura actually has a lot more school spirit.”
Hollyn Gragg ‘28 said, “There’s a lot more [tennis] matches and school spirit.”
VHS compared to most middle schools in Ventura is noticeably larger and therefore is a change and potential obstacle for most of the class of 2028. Raquel Haar ‘28 said, “I was scared because the school is bigger than my head.”
Mayorga said, “The classes are a further walk.”
Although freshmen can’t go off campus during lunch, some of the ones with a gap can still take advantage of their class-free period by utilizing on campus programs and nearby establishments. Some of which include Assets, an after-school program which provides tutoring and snacks. Mayorga said, “I used the assets program one time but I forgot to bring in the form to get ice cream so I didn’t get the ice cream. Usually when it’s a gap period I just sit down and do my work or go to Taco-bell.”
The change from Middle School to High School can be a big adjustment because of the differences in each of the schools. Lotus Crawford ‘28 said, “I thought it was going to be harder because all of our teachers in middle school said, ‘Oh it’s going to be hard’, but it’s a lot easier than middle school.” Crawford also said, “They are a lot less strict here because in middle school they would take it [your phone] if they had seen it in your backpack or anything.”
