Advice for Incoming Freshmen

By Kayla Kupietzky-

Incoming freshmen at Ida Crown find themselves in a new school with new peers and teachers, an experience that can be scary and sometimes overwhelming. However, freshman year is also incredibly exciting and filled with many new opportunities. 

Ida Crown’s teachers are eager to make the transition into Ida Crown a seamless one. Dean Rabbi Matanky emphasizes the strong support team available to freshmen: “We’re here to help!” he says. “Make sure to never be afraid to ask for help from your senior leader, your teacher, your mechanech/et, or the administration. Learn a lot and have fun! Find what inspires you and pursue your dreams!” 

Other teachers have tips for academic success in high school. Mr. Olson, a freshman English teacher, advises incoming freshmen to “annotate when they read” because it will improve participation in class discussions.

Mrs. Kraft, one of the Chumash teachers for the freshmen girls, has lots of helpful insights. She advises freshmen to “to self-advocate, take good notes, remember how important personal growth is, and only do what you are comfortable with.” 

It is important for freshmen to remember that the teachers at Ida Crown want them to grow both academically and personally; however, it is okay to make mistakes because that is the best type of learning.

 Students also have academic advice to share that can help freshmen succeed. Sophomore Ori Wasserman advises that “time management is crucial to succeeding, but finding a balance between school-like and social life is just as important.” 

Sophomore Adina Margolin maintains that “being organized is very important and that freshmen should not be afraid to email or meet with their teachers because they are always willing to help you.” 

One way to stay organized is to take advantage of PowerSchool. There, freshmen will be able to view homework, syllabi, individual class schedules, and due dates. Academics are much less stressful at Ida Crown if students are empowered to manage their own time and develop a strong work ethic, which PowerSchool aids with.

While academics are a large part of high school, social life is just as crucial. Senior Pelah Cohen entered Ida Crown with an older sibling; however, she was still nervous about starting a new school. Pelah Cohen learned that “joining a team or club at the beginning of the year is super helpful to meet new people and become a part of a group early on.”

It is important for freshmen to become friends with people in their classes, but joining clubs or teams opens up the opportunity to befriend people from other grades. Some teams, such as cross country, even meet before school starts, which is a great way to enter the school year with friends. 

Ida Crown junior Sarah Friedman echoes this idea, saying that freshmen “should not hesitate to try new clubs, classes, and activities.” Students may not know their passions or interests until they try them, so joining a few different clubs gives students exposure and experience as they figure out what is right for them. 

Another senior, Benny Grey, says it is important “that freshmen should challenge themselves but don't overwork themselves.” Ida Crown is a place where students can learn and grow academically, but it is also a place where students can develop their unique interests and passions. 

With all of the uncertainty regarding school this year, it is unclear what the layout of school will look like and what will happen to the clubs and teams. If school does resume in an online format, it is important to still follow this advice because it will make virtual school much easier. Staying organized is crucial to a seamless experience online, but so is taking the time to branch out, make new friends, and join new clubs.

To the incoming freshman and the class of 2024: don’t be afraid. Your next four years at Ida Crown are going to be amazing. Whether school is online or in person, so many students and teachers are there to help with whatever you need, and high school will be full of new opportunities, so make sure you take advantage of them!