• Advisement – How do we plan for the success of a ninth grade student throughout a high school career?
• Articulation – How do we best communicate the “Freshman Experience” to others and involve the McEachern community in its fulfillment?
• Achievement – What classroom practices offer the best academic advantages for a ninth grade student?
• Advancement – How do we intervene and support those who are less successful OR more successful than expected?

Please contact one of the following people if you wish to participate with us: 

• Advisement – Janice Ritchey -  janice.ritchey@cobbk12.org or 770-222-3710 x731 
   
• Articulation – Dana Giles - dana.giles@cobbk12.org or 770-222-3710 x402 
   
• Achievement – Anita Burdell - anita.burdell@cobbk12.org or 770-222-3710 x452 

• Advancement – Laurette Brown - laurette.brown@cobbk12.org or 770-222-3710 x490

Meetings will begin soon, and we look forward to everyone’s input and interest. 

Dr. Paul McMahon, Associate Principal
McEachern Freshman Center Director
paul.mcmahon@cobbk12.org or 770-222-3723

“Freshman Experience”

Beliefs

• The “Freshman Experience” classroom is an active classroom with instruction that recognizes differences in students' learning rates and styles.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” has a theme and focus involving the qualities and ideal of success.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is a period of enculturation of new ninth grade students to their peers and to John McEachern High School .
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is fun, with focus on social activities and the building of relationships (peer-peer; teacher-student).
  
• The “Freshman Experience” empowers a student to a greater sense of efficacy.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” instills an attitude of scholarship within a student and supports the development of this attitude.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is supported by community partnership.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” develops life-long learning.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” enables students with transferable skills across all subjects.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” creates a freshman identity.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” exists within a safe and welcoming environment.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is improved by effective communication both within the Freshman Center and between the Freshman Center and the community it serves.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” connects the classroom experience with the experiences that exist outside the classroom.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is enhanced by participation in extra-curricular activities.
  
• The “Freshman Experience” is enhanced by mentorship of ninth grade students by adults and older student peers.

The “Freshman Experience” will look like:

•  A majority of classes in one location ( Freshman Center )

•  A “gated community”:

-Prestigious and respected – “You are someone special if you are inside this community”

-Behavior and attitude match the setting

•  An experience that recognizes development and transition from one school level to another

-Nurturing AND structured

•  A safe and positive experience that enriches everyone involved

•  A welcoming place that encourages involvement

Parents will:

•  Gather information about the “Freshman Experience” through orientation and other means to better participate in it

•  Maintain contact with the school and their student's teachers by providing accurate contact information, enrolling in I-Parent, and attending events such as Open House and 9 th Grade Advisement

•  Dialogue with their student about academic progress, peer interactions and relationships, and other relevant topics within the “Freshman Experience”

Teachers will:

•  Define expectations clearly to both students and parents about academics and behavior

•  Combine rigor and relevance in the classroom to combine academic demand with practical/real world experience

•  Regularly communicate with parents about progress (i.e., hosted website/blog; group e-mail; telephone)

•  Offer instruction that matches student learning style and pace with diverse opportunities

•  Validate and recognize student accomplishment regularly

•  Develop key success skills across all academic subjects (i.e. time management; homework vs. study; ability to work with others in groups; presentation skills)

Students will:

•  Participate fully in the “Freshman Experience” by coming to school prepared to learn (i.e., materials brought to class; homework and other preparation completed; regular and timely attendance)

•  Ask questions and seek information

•  Develop positive relationships with peers (i.e., supporting; complimentary; respectful; recognizing and appreciating differences)

•  Strive for success as measured by expectations set by parents, teachers and the community