Conquering the confusion of school

WITH MUG OF PARRY

By Bethany Parry

OK ... we all know it is that time of year when we have to return to school. Every year it's the same old building, same old teachers, and same old everything, but this year Cape Girardeau is doing something a little bit different.

You might already know this, but Cape Girardeau is getting a new high school. We are not just getting another huge high school; we're also getting a new middle school and junior high. OK ... I give up! They're not exactly "new" buildings, but they are to the students who will be attending there.

Do you remember Schultz? Well, that's NOT where the seventh graders go now. These lucky seventh graders will be educated at the old high school building. (Don't worry, the eighth graders will share the building with them.) The ninth graders who used to share their hallways with the eighth graders now will be attending school with the high school students at the new Central High School! Now, I think that covers everyone.

Wait a minute! What is going to happen to the old seventh and eighth grade building? Well, the fifth and sixth graders are going to use it as their new Fifth and Sixth Grade Center. Wow, this year everybody's going to be new kids at school, including me.

This year I am going to be in the seventh grade, and I'll be honest, it is kind of scary. Not only am I transferring from a private school, but there will also be the challenge of navigating the hallways, and making many new friends. But don't get me wrong, it will be fun too! Everyone will be in the same boat, regardless of where you attended elementary school. So with adventure around every corner, we'll all be "new kids" together and not just students, but survivors of the confusing Cape Girardeau School No. 63.

Bethany Parry will be in seventh grade in Cape Girardeau public schools. She is a member of the Class of 2morrow Teen Advisory Panel.