Photos and Story by Crystal Hayduk
Principal Mike Kapolka welcomed next fall’s freshman students, the class of 2019, to Chelsea High School (CHS) on May 22 for Moving Up Day. The morning’s goal was to boost the students’ comfort level with beginning high school through an introduction to the building, teachers and administrators, as well as to get summer assignments.
Students obtained their ninth grade class schedules in the Commons (cafeteria), and then moved to the auditorium where they were greeted by Link Crew leaders, juniors and seniors who assist freshmen with the transition to high school.
Kapolka informed the students of the school’s ranking of 18/860 Michigan public schools by “U.S. News and World Report,” putting Chelsea in the top 2 percent of schools state and nationwide. “You are entering a high achieving academic high school,” he said.
Following the principal’s description of the building’s layout and an explanation of how to read the schedule, he paused for questions. One student asked what seemed to be on everyone’s mind: “When do we eat lunch [next year]?”
Kapolka told the students that lunch coincides with third hour, and start times range from about 10:30 to 11:50.
Students attended a shortened version of their first trimester schedule, spending 20 minutes in each of five classes.
Orchestra director Jed Fritzemeier addressed the symphony orchestra, which meets the first hour of the day. “The talent level is very high and we’re going to have a blast next year,” he said. “This is the highest number of freshmen in the symphony in any year since I’ve taught here.”
Fitness teacher Laura Cleveland reviewed health topics and sports that students can expect next year. “We’re going to have fun and get a great workout by playing sports,” she said.
Shawn Sinacola, who teaches both Spanish and English, gave students a short list of summer homework that included reading at least one book, and bringing an artifact and favorite photo from their lives when they return to school in September. “It’s also very important to de-stress during the summer,” she said. “Have fun and be a kid. Enjoy your last summer before officially becoming a high school student.”
French teacher Steve Forsberg told students that after the first week of school, they will communicate only in French during class, and will read a short novel in French by the end of next year.
Many students began the morning feeling both nervous and excited. By the end of the morning, students said they were glad that the district provides this experience.
Will Sujek said that it was helpful to have a sample school day and navigate the classroom hallways. “My brother graduates from high school this year and I’ve been around the high school for sports and music events, so I’m not completely unfamiliar with the building,” said Sujek. “But it’s really helpful to meet the teachers and see the rooms.”
Students ended the morning by sampling lunch at the high school before walking back to Beach Middle School at noon.
