MHS has started a new transition program for ninth graders this school year called the Freshman Transition Program or the “Freshman House,” as Freshman Assistant Principal Michael Foley often calls it. Formerly known as the Freshman Academy, the new program is designed to help students better transition from middle school to high school. All ninth graders now have all their core classes in C Wing, along with a freshman office.

Foley said the Freshman House will provide students with a sense of security.

“I think starting this program and being able to section off part of the building where just freshman can be, where they know who their counselor is and they know who their social worker is, where they know who their administrator is, that will just provide them a sense of comfort,” Foley said.

There are plans in place to have more events scheduled at MHS specifically for freshmen. Foley said these events will help welcome freshmen to the high school.

“We are looking to do things at the freshman level,” Foley said. “We are looking at a freshman dance, freshman movie night, and possible a freshman trip.” 

The freshmen have had mixed thoughts on Freshman House. Freshman Tess Eshenroder said freshmen should not be secluded in one hallway. 

“I think getting to be part of the whole school would be better that’s why I like exploratories because we get to work with kids in other grades,” Eshenroder said.

Freshman Rodney Mayes said freshman activities will bring students together.

“I believe that freshman dances, trips, and movie nights are a good way to get students together to socialize and meet new people,” Mayes said.