Welcome to DHS! We are so excited to have you become part of the Demon family. These next four years will be filled with fun, hard work, frustration, celebration, anxiety and happiness. As a parent of a high school student, I have been right where you are now...it is a roller coaster ride but it is worth all of it.
Students, please know that walking around that new building can be daunting. Choosing what to wear is intimidating. Worrying about if you will fit in is real. There may be days that you feel completely overwhelmed. However, please know that DHS staff is here to support you and one thing that I know is that there are so many amazing opportunities in the years ahead for you.
We are often asked what tips we have to help ease the transition to high school. There have been many articles written for just this topic. Below is some advice collected from a variety of resources including the graduating class of 2018 and 2019.
1. Always be prepared. It is hard to participate and be successful in high school if you don't bring the basics; pencil, pen, and paper.
2. Learn to ask specific and relevant questions. Some of your assignments will be tough and there may be a class or two that you simply struggle in. Ask specific questions. For example, don't say "I don't get it". No one can help when you cannot be specific about what you are struggle with. Instead, give details "I am really struggling with developing a good thesis statement" or "I don't understand how to balance chemical equations". Writing down what you don’t know is as important as remembering what you do know. Keep a notebook specifically for questions about what you are learning. You will learn so much by asking questions.
3. Do your homework. I know that this sounds obvious, but is amazing how many students struggle with this. In my experience, it is the one thing that can help the most. Homework is practice and gives teachers insight to how you are progressing in class. Teachers don’t give homework because it’s fun to grade. Homework is used to help teachers identify areas of strength as well as areas where you struggle so that they can develop a plan to ensure you are successful in learning.
4. Teachers care. Adults in the building sincerely care about students. I have seen teachers go above and beyond on a regular basis to support students. If you are struggling, ask for help. If the teacher can’t help with an issue they usually can find someone who can. There are so many resources for students in high school to use in all areas of their lives, let DHS help. The staff at DHS is passionate about creating a welcoming, safe, and rigorous environment for all students. DHS is a family.
5 Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, for others, or for what you believe in. Take smart risks and take advantage of new opportunities for involvement. Be a leader. Make new friends, Most importantly, be yourself. You are unique and amazing. Each student is what makes DHS a wonderful place to be.
We look forward to working with each of you and getting to know your hope, dreams, and aspirations.
Mrs. Deb and Mr. Hembree