No matter if you’re a newcomer or returning student, Maze Days offer students the opportunity to get a first look at their new schedule through PowerSchool, have their picture taken for the yearbook and their student ID, and browse a wide variety of student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams.
The event took place on August 22 and 23 between 8 a.m. and noon, with upperclassmen and underclassmen scheduled to attend on separate days. Juniors and seniors were the first to be welcomed in on the 22 and exclusively granted the option to apply for a parking pass.
“I’m excited to be coming back,” said Samuel Campagna, an incoming junior and active member of five CKHS clubs. “All my clubs are getting back up and started… I’m going to be vice president this year for multiple clubs and then president of another one, so I’m excited to just jump right in and do as much as possible.”
While incoming freshmen had a chance to get a brief look at the campus on the 23, CKHS will be hosting an open house on August 29 from 4 to 6 p.m., allowing students and their families to familiarize themselves with the school, locate their new classes, and connect with teachers.
“I’m looking forward to having some classes with my friends,” said incoming freshman Elisabetta Trojanowski. “I’m looking forward to HOSA club, I’m looking forward to honors chemistry because I love science, and I’m looking forward to AP Human Geography because the person who teaches it, Mr. Kassler, is my best friend’s dad, so I’m very happy about that.”
Returning CKHS students may remember being welcomed in by upperclassmen in Link Crew during their freshman year. However, CKHS’ new Cougar Krew, a student organization devoted to supporting and mentoring new students, will take the reins of ushering in upcoming freshmen during an orientation on Sept. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon in the CKHS Main Gym.
“Honestly, it’s really fun compared to the middle school,” said Trojanowski. “It’s way bigger, a lot more classes, the library, just in general, is huge. You know, it’s really fun. I’m looking for all the classes with my friends, it’s fun getting to know where everything is.”
Many juniors and seniors are utilizing programs like Running Start and the West Sound Technical Skills Centre in order to get a head start on college credits or trade skills. These resources provide students with unique opportunities that they may not be able to explore solely within CKHS, but may also result in a more varied schedule that differs from the average student taking six classes.
“I’m only going to be here half the time because I’m a West Sound student, so I’m going to miss out on the full senior experience for a lot of it, which it’s not the happiest I’m being about that,” said CKHS senior Nadalie Hills. “But also I don’t have to do a full school day at high school, so it’s mixed feelings.”
For many students, being able to see their friends, fellow athletes, and favorite teachers again is the best part about returning to school after a long summer break. Starting a new school year can motivate and excite students to put their best foot forward in their studies. At the same time, the anticipation of meeting new classmates, adjusting to waking up early again, and potentially taking on a larger workload will naturally cause some students to feel some stress or nervousness as well.
“I’m actually a new student here at CKHS,” said CKHS senior Danielle Kouamo. “I’m excited to see the school, meet new people, and to have a good like, round off to my final year of high school. It’s a bit nerve wracking moving to a new place.”
Kouamo, who recently moved into the Central Kitsap School District from a DoDEA school in Japan, expressed eagerness to explore the new athletic and academic opportunities at CKHS. While adjusting to a new school can be a difficult task, the CKHS community is no stranger to welcoming and supporting new students of all backgrounds, including those with military families.
“I’m not the best at meeting new people and making new friends, so this is kind of like throwing myself into a new type of circle,” said Kouamo. “I have to make friends, I have to go out because of senior year, I want to have fun, I want to make memories that last. So, throwing myself into the circle and kind of putting myself out there is definitely gonna be a challenge. Luckily, I do know some people that I’ve met — like I tried to contact some people before I came here, so that’s definitely my most perceived challenge.”
For incoming students who are still feeling apprehensive about starting high school, Hills shares a useful piece of advice from the perspective of a senior.
“It’s not that serious, literally,” said Hills. “It’s not as stressful as you think — the social aspect — because as you see the grades progress you can see how they just like, stop caring as much. We’re all just so much more comfortable. When you come in as a freshman you’re scared, but as you progress you realize it’s not as scary. A lot of people are nice. Honestly, you find good people throughout high school.”
Returning students note that in order to set yourself up for success and have a positive experience in high school, it’s important to stay on top of classwork, advocate for yourself, and make meaningful and lasting connections.
“CK is a great place,” said Campagna. “Just be nice to everyone, and they’ll be nice to you. And, I mean, come join all the clubs you can! It’s great, we’d love to have you.”
