Next year, the JMS eighth graders will be in the ninth grade and attending PHS. The thought does occur that the eighth graders are worried or frightened to move to a new school. Some consider going to Palatka High School a dangerous step. In high school, there are a lot more challenges and temptations to make things harder than they are. When you get there, you'll probably be thinking," How on earth am I going to handle this?" or "How did I get into this mess?"

Students more than likely are nervous, some more and some less than the other but all have a little voice that says, "You'll be all right." High school isn't to be feared. As long as the eighth graders don't forget what has been said to them, they should all stride confidently, strongly, and amazingly through the halls of PHS. JMS eagles must always remember though, they can do what they strive to if they really try, and if they really want it.

The teachers and guidance counselors at Palatka High School would like you to know a few things that will help you on your transition from Middle School to High School.
One Teacher, Beverly Baird says, "Choose your classes for the following year carefully so you can always meet your goals."

One other tip of advice that almost every teacher is giving out is make sure you have the pre-requisite before signing up for a class.
One of the other big pieces of advice that guidance counselors are handing out is make sure you meet your four year plan.

"I'm not that worried at all. Most of my friends are there,"" said Patrick Fazio eighth grader.
"I'm not worried because I know people who will show me the ropes," said eighth grader Meghan Nye.

"No, I'm not really that worried about it," states Jeffery Weaver eighth grade.
The courses at the high school should be easy just as long as everyone tries their best.

Everyone will only need that ''come on, I can take it!'' attitude, which by the way, isn't hard to accomplish. Already, some of the students at JMS are taking high school courses. These students are Katelyn Baird, Bragan Mace, David Sandlin, and Daniel Merwin.

So yes, it will be new, but so was JMS. It won't be so hard to adjust to PHS. Eighth grade students have only been here three years and many have said it feels like a home away from home. PHS is a great deal bigger than JMS, it`s two stories high. That will be a little confusing if you can't remember if you`re supposed to be up or down. So literally, you might not be able to make heads or tails of your classes.

Extra curricular courses and clubs come in a wide variety at PHS. There's color guard, marching band, chorus, musical theater, cheerleading, football, track, soccer, physical education, home economics and JROTC to keep your mind off of the trials and tribulations that high school has to offer. So if you`re scared, just keep in mind that some of your friends will go to your high school and you can make new friends in a club of your choice.

There's nothing to fear about high school. It is a little intimidating, it will be a difficult path, and you won't be exactly familiar with the building, but there is nothing to fear. High school will be like when you came to JMS, a little new, but you'll get used to it in no time.

BY: Katelyn Baird and Sarah Fowler