Welcome to Ninth Grade

Attend 9th Grade Orientation: This is the number one most important time to prepare yourself for high school! Be sure to check out other events as well.

Talk to your friends from middle school: Many of them will go to the same high school as you. But remember that you’re likely to make some new friends, too. On average, your high school will be about 3 to 4 times bigger than your middle school!

Check out the school’s publications: From blogs, to social media, to TV broadcasts, to other online materials, you can learn about what other teens are up to at your school. You could also get involved in school media yourself! Be sure to check out Tower Media, our student news site.

Keep track of your stuff: Do you have a good system for organizing your schoolwork? Make sure you’ve got a binder, assignment notebook, and anything else that helps you stay on top of things. Going paperless instead? Awesome! Tech tools will help you succeed from 9th to 12th grade, and beyond.

Tech tools: Check out your school’s website, Infinite Campus, Google Classrooms, and your MMSD e-mail to make sure you’re in-the-know about all the tech tools available to students. If you’re not familiar with these yet, your teachers and other school staff will be happy to help.

1:1 tech devices: Don’t have a computer at home? No problem! All MMSD high schools are going one-to-one with devices this year, which means you should have access to your own Chromebook. Be sure to familiarize yourself with MMSD’s policy for appropriate use of tech tools, if you haven't already.

Be yourself! (Seriously.) There are so many people in high school, you’re bound to find other people with the same interests, hobbies, and even quirks, as you.

Be kind! In the words of one East High student:

"You’re going to be with these people for the next four years of your life.
You might as well get along with each other."

Specific supports: Do you have anything in particular you need to find in the school? Learn about AVID, Student Services, Personalized Pathways, and other programs early in the year, to get a head-start on your own needs as a high school student. Some helpful links can be found at the bottom of this page.

High school can be an amazing experience for students.

Below are a few tips for making the most of the next four years.

• Join a club or sport. High school is much more enjoyable when you get involved. Don't see a club that interests you? Start one!
  • Athletics
  • Clubs and Activities
• Stay on top of your progress and grades. Check Infinite Campus often.
• Ask for help when you need it!
• Get to know your teachers and help your teachers get to know you.
• Attendance is VITAL! Come to school on time, every day.
• Take advantage of the supports that are provided at East, which include tutoring, counseling, mentoring and much more.
• Talk to adults at school about your postsecondary goals and get advice on courses you should take while in high school to help you reach your goals.
• Get to know your classmates, especially those that are different from you.
• Ask questions! There are many people here to help you, and communication is key.
• Take a good balance of classes. Explore a new hobby or skill through an elective class and challenge yourself with an Advanced Placement course or Dual Credit class. Learn some of the benefits of advanced coursework.
• Know your support system! There are counselors, social workers, psychologists and many other adults at our school who are here to support your academics and well-being.

"One thing that has made my high school experience better is being in classes I want to be in and that I find enjoyable. The history department and my counselor are able to help me when I need it."
– East High School student

• FAQ for Rising 9th Grade Families

• Credit and Graduation Requirements

• Counseling Website - Includes course selection information

• EHS Contact Information

• Earned Honors/ Advanced Coursework

• Academic Supports

• East Clubs

• Athletics

Additional MMSD Resources

• Supports for English Language Learners
• Supports for Students with Disabilities
• Supports for LGBTQ+ Students
• Supports for Students with Advanced Learning Needs
• AVID
• Personalized Pathways