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Highlands Today

Freshman Foundation A Good Way To Help Kids Adapt

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

Some transitions are more difficult than others, and one of the most difficult is for young people making the move from middle school to high school. That's why the Highlands County School District's Freshman Foundation is such a good idea. We believe that ultimately it will succeed in helping students be more successful.

The idea behind the freshman foundation is to provide a comfortable setting for freshmen to adapt to high school and, perhaps, give them an opportunity to mature a bit before full introduction to older students. They interact with upper-classmen, but in a more controlled manner.

Statistics show that incoming freshmen face a lot of pressures and challenges. It's at this grade level that grades sometimes slide, absenteeism increases and dropout rates climb. Some experts attribute it to being introduced to upperclassmen who are doing things and behaving in ways that distract freshmen.

There's a lot of difference between the age 15 and, say, 17 or 18. Sometimes a combination of influences cause kids to falter. The freshman foundation helps in the transition.

There's no way to produce a perfect situation, but giving freshmen a chance to adjust and mature allows them a comfortable start to their high school years. We believe it's a good idea and although year to year statistics on the foundation's success may vary, overall there's a lot to like.

Sunday's Super Bowl was a big winner for sports fans everywhere and for Tampa. Although temperatures were a bit cooler than usual, and tough economics might have dampened crowd enthusiasm a bit, it still was a hit.

Tampa's visitor destinations, restaurants and nightlife worked fine for the big crowds. Top it off with an outstanding game and it's clear this was a winner for everyone.

Tampa should be part of the Super Bowl site rotation. It's been here before and always is a great place for our nation's biggest sports event. Let's hope we don't have wait too long before it's played here again.

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