What's the worst thing about High School?

[G-Force Glockstar]

Trying to fit in, the work, the lables/groups, the teachers, ect.....?
I'm not nearly prepared for high school and I really wanna know all I need to expect!

[EmoJoe]

yeah, can you just tell me like...everything about it? :lol:

[evilNpunk]

THE DRAMA!
Freshman year is the worst because everyone (even some of your closest friends) tries to impress everyone, even people that they already have as friends. Just get yourself away from the drama and it will be fine. I wasted my freshman year putting up with that stuff.
Dont read into the clique stuff too much. Of course the cliques definately are there, but honestly, why bother caring? Just ignore people you dont like.

[PZelda]

It really depends on which high school you are going to be attending in the fall. What do you know about it? Is it a good school? Is it a terrible school? etc...

For me, high school was actually pretty decent. I attended a 9-12 high school. I wasn't too wild about freshman year, because all my classes that year were required. I could only have one elective that year, and I didn't get much choice in what electives I wanted...I ended up with PE the first semester and Health the next semester as my electives. With every year in high school, there weren't as many required classes.

Honestly, I didn't pay attention to cliques or try to fit in. I had my own circle of friends who thought the same way as me, and we didn't have any problems at school. The town I went to high school in was pretty ghetto, but they had a great educational system...Well, the best education they could provide for a high school student body of 700. My high school literally shared the same grass as the community college, so a LOT of dual-credit courses were offered. From my sophomore year onwards, half my classes had college students in them because I took quite a few dual-credit classes myself.

The teachers at my high school were pretty decent, too. I had my share of strange teachers, but I never wound up with anybody I hated...I guess except for my 10th/11th grade math teacher. Now THAT guy was weird. :seeya:

Really...Don't pay attention to cliques. I'm sure you'll have some great teachers when you start your freshman year. Your teachers will most likely tell your class that if they have any problems, that they can talk to the teacher after class or at a specified time before/after school. Failing that, I'm sure there is some kind of tutoring center at your new school.

I really didn't notice much difference between my junior high school and senior high schools. They are basically the same, but with additional grades in larger buildings on a larger campus. I did like laughing at the drama, though...especially senior year, when this really slutty girl in my grade got pregnant. It served her right for sleeping around. Muhahaha!

[G-Force Glockstar]

PZelda.....same here, at the HS I'm going too, all the classes are required too :(


Even though I maybe shouldn't worry about it, my 2 biggest worries are fitting in and what if I don't have a boyfriend in high school!

[evilNpunk]

PZelda.....same here, at the HS I'm going too, all the classes are required too :(


Even though I maybe shouldn't worry about it, my 2 biggest worries are fitting in and what if I don't have a boyfriend in high school!
Dont worry about fitting in... I know it's cliche, but people should like you for who you are. If you have to change yourself to fit in with certain people, then they're not going to be very good friends, and that often does more harm than good.

[Karen*]

In middle school, people may be mean to you. But I don't know if that's worst than people who simply ignore you in high school. For me, even though I was involved in all these things that I thought were cool like student government and journalism, nobody seemed to give two craps and I hated that. By my senior year, I felt so lonely. I don't want to make generalizations. It really depends on what your high school is like. Hopefully it will be better than mine. :)

Oh, and expect A LOT more work. You could have as much as three hours of homework every day. It's going to suck. :lol:

[PZelda]

PZelda.....same here, at the HS I'm going too, all the classes are required too :(


Even though I maybe shouldn't worry about it, my 2 biggest worries are fitting in and what if I don't have a boyfriend in high school!
Yeah, that part of freshman year is real fun. (NOT!) :lol:

Just let nature do its own thing. I didn't have a boyfriend when I was in high school (I did in junior high though), and I didn't lose any sleep over it. You will have so much more opportunities to have a boyfriend in college. You must never give in to peer pressure, because the consequences can be pretty disasterous.

[evilNpunk]

Oh, and expect A LOT more work. You could have as much as three hours of homework every day. It's going to suck. :lol:
I feel you there! Sometimes even more depending if you take advanced classes!

[Karen*]

I feel you there! Sometimes even more depending if you take advanced classes!
:nod: Yeah. I took AP classes from my sophomore to senior year. To be honest, I didn't think it was too bad compared to my general math classes. Now THOSE were hard! :lol:

[G-Force Glockstar]

In middle school, people may be mean to you. But I don't know if that's worst than people who simply ignore you in high school. For me, even though I was involved in all these things that I thought were cool like student government and journalism, nobody seemed to give two craps and I hated that. By my senior year, I felt so lonely. I don't want to make generalizations. It really depends on what your high school is like. Hopefully it will be better than mine. :)

Oh, and expect A LOT more work. You could have as much as three hours of homework every day. It's going to suck. :lol:

The high school I'm going to is freaking HUGE (2,200 people to be exact) are there....I'll probably be the tease or freak of the school :(

Crap, I HATE homework and work!! lol....the only way I'm gonna study is if my parents make me.....which they usually do! lol

[G-Force Glockstar]

Yeah, that part of freshman year is real fun. (NOT!) :lol:

Just let nature do its own thing. I didn't have a boyfriend when I was in high school (I did in junior high though), and I didn't lose any sleep over it. You will have so much more opportunities to have a boyfriend in college. You must never give in to peer pressure, because the consequences can be pretty disasterous.

Yeah, I'd probably do better with online dating anyway since I'm easier and funner to talk to online! lol

[Shine]

The high school I'm going to is freaking HUGE (2,200 people to be exact) are there....I'll probably be the tease or freak of the school :(



I seriously doubt that.

[G-Force Glockstar]

Dont worry about fitting in... I know it's cliche, but people should like you for who you are. If you have to change yourself to fit in with certain people, then they're not going to be very good friends, and that often does more harm than good.

That's true.....I asked a few popular girls in my school (that were my friends, of course) how to be popoular and they just said be yourself and talk to people......but being myself isn't good enough to be cool or popular :(

[PZelda]

In middle school, people may be mean to you. But I don't know if that's worst than people who simply ignore you in high school. For me, even though I was involved in all these things that I thought were cool like student government and journalism, nobody seemed to give two craps and I hated that. By my senior year, I felt so lonely. I don't want to make generalizations. It really depends on what your high school is like. Hopefully it will be better than mine. :)

Oh, and expect A LOT more work. You could have as much as three hours of homework every day. It's going to suck. :lol:
Funny you mention that about journalism (publications class at my high school). It was THE thing to be on the school paper. My sister worked on the paper when we were in high school and loved it, so I hoped to do the same thing when I was in high school. When I tried to sign up to take publications, the teacher was an *******. I wish I had never wasted my time on her. Ugh. The school paper went to sh*t after my sister graduated, too...Eventually, the kids who thought they were hot sh*t took over. They were the ones who partied far too hard for their own good, did drugs, went around and tried to get laid (there were quite a few pregnant girls in that class every year). The result was the worst school paper in history that I have ever laid eyes on...Yet, it always won first place at the biannual journalism conference. :rolleyes: Yeah...Explain THAT to me, because I sure as hell don't understand.

Regarding homework, it was like that for me too. But really, as long as you can get a free period or study hall (they're different things, mind you) and do some of your homework during that time, it won't be so bad. Junior year for me was BRUTUAL in the homework department. :lol:

[G-Force Glockstar]

I seriously doubt that.

I'm looking at my school webpage right now (for high school).....here's what it says.

Enrollment: 2,057

Seniors: 458
Juniors: 458
Sophomores: 521
Freshmen: 620

:eek: :(

[G-Force Glockstar]

Regarding homework, it was like that for me too. But really, as long as you can get a free period or study hall (they're different things, mind you) and do some of your homework during that time, it won't be so bad. Junior year for me was BRUTUAL in the homework department. :lol:

Thank God I have a study hall period! lol

[Shine]

I'm looking at my school webpage right now (for high school).....here's what it says.

Enrollment: 2,057

Seniors: 458
Juniors: 458
Sophomores: 521
Freshmen: 620

:eek: :(


No, I meant that I don't think that anyone will think you are a freak. You are not a freak.

[Brad Russ]

Worst part of school for me was lunch. I never had lunch at school because I had no money, and I was too embarrased to bring a bag lunch, so I'd just sit around watching everyone eat for 40 minutes each day, and that was boring. I always had trouble finding a place to sit as well, because I was a bit of a loner, so there were a few times when my agoraphobia would really act up, and I'd go into the bathroom and hide out in a stall until lunch was over. For those reasons, I absolutely hated lunch. I loved gym though. I'll never forget the faces of all the schools star athletes that I beat playing their own games. Those are my greatest school memories. Nothing like beating the schools star basketball player in front of his girlfriend, to finish off your school day!!! :D

[G-Force Glockstar]

No, I meant that I don't think that anyone will think you are a freak. You are not a freak.

Oh. Thanks.....my sister always calls me a freak, though :(

[G-Force Glockstar]

Worst part of school for me was lunch. I never had lunch at school because I had no money, and I was too embarrased to bring a bag lunch, so I'd just sit around watching everyone eat for 40 minutes each day, and that was boring. I always had trouble finding a place to sit as well, because I was a bit of a loner, so there were a few times when my agoraphobia would really act up, and I'd go into the bathroom and hide out in a stall until lunch was over. For those reasons, I absolutely hated lunch. I loved gym though. I'll never forget the faces of all the schools star athletes that I beat playing their own games. Those are my greatest school memories. Nothing like beating the schools star basketball player in front of his girlfriend, to finish off your school day!!! :D

Aw, I'm so sorry! :(

[EmoJoe]

Oh. Thanks.....my sister always calls me a freak, though :(
your sister is stupid and you shouldn't listen to her. not everything she says is true. she says things like that to annoy you, you just need to ignore her instead of letting her get to you like that.

[G-Force Glockstar]

your sister is stupid and you shouldn't listen to her. not everything she says is true. she says things like that to annoy you, you just need to ignore her instead of letting her get to you like that.

Yeah, but it's so hard when she treats me so hateful 24/7 or gives me silent treatments because she hates mes so much :(

[Brad Russ]

Aw, I'm so sorry! :(

Thanks!! It's okay though, those hard times made me stronger!!! :)

[EmoJoe]

Yeah, but it's so hard when she treats me so hateful 24/7 or gives me silent treatments because she hates mes so much :(
if i were you i'd be HAPPY at the silent treatments :lol: but yeah, just ignore her or call her things back :)

[Mrs. Ducky]

Freshman year was a breeze for me! We were allowed to pick 5 electives for the year and I purposely took classes that none of the freshman would take (I hate the kids in my grade) and took the ones filled with seniors just trying to get credits. It worked out well! I made friends with A LOT of upper classmen. Popular ones too. For the most part I was just being myself. I would dress up for school (skirt, blouse, heels, makeup, the works) which put me on the teachers' good sides and also helped me stick out. Of course my school is small (biggest class was last term's sophomores which had like 177 kids; NOTHING compared to your school) so it might be harder for you. :(

[Superstar]

Yeah, but it's so hard when she treats me so hateful 24/7 or gives me silent treatments because she hates mes so much :(
treat her the same way. You don't deserve this crap, especially from someone in your family.

You shouldn't worry about being popular so much. If your popular, great. If your not popular, thats fine too. As long as you have a few good friends, it doesn't really matter imo.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

PZelda.....same here, at the HS I'm going too, all the classes are required too :(


Even though I maybe shouldn't worry about it, my 2 biggest worries are fitting in and what if I don't have a boyfriend in high school!
OMG about the God damned boyfriend, I'm gonna be a senior and I've never had a boyfriend. Just get over it.

Highschool, in all honesty, I think the pettiness and everything dies down SOME. Not totally, of course. Clicks are less importnat, but they're still there. Everything sort of falls back into place, though. Everyone breaks up and changes during middle school, highschool is sort of like a rebuilding stage or something. It's not perfect but it's better. 9th grade, though, to me it's still like middle school. All of the 9th graders are wicked immature and imo don't even belong in highschool yet. It should start at 10th grade...but yeah, I think that's why upper classmen get so pissed. The 9th graders still act all middle school and dip**** and we're just like...wtf, go away. :grr: So be prepared for that, too.

[Moonlight Lady]

Most of freshman year because it was a new school district. I was stuck in lousy science class with a miserable teacher. I had a fight with my best friend that last about a month. I got braces that year and a bad case of the flu.
Summer couldn't come fast enough for me.

[x3 Taylor x3]

**** talkers, cliques, drama, boyfriends, dances, and the work itself.

[MaydayMalonesGirl]

i don't know. i don't like how structured school is, it's not always a good judgement of how intelligent someone is in my opinion. it's also hard being in an environment where you feel like you have to compare yourself to your peers.

[Hollow]

of course this is just at my school, but what i noticed is that it's pretty much the same as middle school, but the other kids are usually more mature.

my freshman year really scarred me, but i don't want to scare you into thinking it will happen to you too; it was just my school and it didn't have to do with being a freshman, but it was based on social problems and being outcasted and harrassed all the time (by other freshmen); it all started with immature and logicless rumors that i was a whore.

my advice advice simply is to be nice to everyone else....it will get you far.

[Karen*]

OMG about the God damned boyfriend, I'm gonna be a senior and I've never had a boyfriend. Just get over it.

I agree. I went through my high school career without a boyfriend! It's really just the beginning after you graduate, your life will really get started then, so I wouldn't worry much about that.

[Sharop]

I've always really enjoyed school. I'd encourage you to try to look forward to it, Nikki, and like others have said, don't worry about trying to fit in.

Also, teachers can be a great source of inspiration. I've had some great teachers, one of them particularly great. Hopefully you'll get some fantastic ones as well. :)

[Courtnee]

I think each high school is diferent but here:

the people- Some people are so snobby and full of themselves. Not to mention stupid, annoying, and uptight

the teachers- some are rad, some aren't make friends with the teachers, it will pay off when you need a recomendation for something

the work-some of it is hard, last year (freshman year) was relitively easy for me. I just breesed through it.

the groups- really the groups are totally diffrenet than middle school. You have your Freshman groups (goths, preps blah whatever) and then you have your Sophmore groups and etc.

[KristinHerreraFan]

Freshman year is the worst

:yeahthat :nod: You can say that again.

Words can't express how much I hated freshman year.

[gilligan fanatic]

It's really not bad at all.

[Karen*]

:yeahthat :nod: You can say that again.

Words can't express how much I hated freshman year.

Really? My freshman year was my favorite year of high school. :lol:

[D.J.]

THE DRAMA!
Freshman year is the worst because everyone (even some of your closest friends) tries to impress everyone, even people that they already have as friends. Just get yourself away from the drama and it will be fine. I wasted my freshman year putting up with that stuff.
Dont read into the clique stuff too much. Of course the cliques definately are there, but honestly, why bother caring? Just ignore people you dont like.


Freshman year was actually my favorite because I had friends in every class. The drama is always there but if you ignore it, you'll be fine. Unfortunately, the New York City Board of Ed is the worst and the teachers are horrible. If you ignore the cliques, they won't bother you.

[G-Force Glockstar]

The worst part was not fitting in and being labeled as different because of my vision problem.

Aw, I know how u feel because I have a hearing problem :(

[G-Force Glockstar]

I've always really enjoyed school. I'd encourage you to try to look forward to it, Nikki, and like others have said, don't worry about trying to fit in.

Also, teachers can be a great source of inspiration. I've had some great teachers, one of them particularly great. Hopefully you'll get some fantastic ones as well. :)

Thanks....but I'm also worried about the mean teachers too! :(

[G-Force Glockstar]

:yeahthat :nod: You can say that again.

Words can't express how much I hated freshman year.

Words can't express how much I hated all my years in middle school :(

I pray and hope my freshman isn't hell like my middle school years!

[Brad Russ]

The worst part was not fitting in and being labeled as different because of my vision problem.

I'm so sorry that you were treated so poorly Jen. You're obviously a very strong person though, and I, and many other people here I'm sure, think the world of you!!! :)

[I Love John Ritter]

I've always despised school with every fiber of my being (and that's putting it mildly, LOL) but I will say that High School is much better than Middle School, IMO. I remember hating Middle School but being afraid to graduate because I was nervous about going to High School, but in reality I really had nothing to worry about. I wish that someone could have told me this before I entered High School and saved me a lot of stress. To all of you that are going into High School now, it's normal to be worried and afraid, but don't get too worried. I think High School will be a better experience than Middle School (and this is coming from someone who barely had any friends in school). Like I said, I wish someone had told me this before I went to High School.

[Lex Luthor]

When I first started Senior High the principal gave a big speach and continued the same one every year. I wish I had listened better. Highschool is alot of what you make of it. Some peole join sports, some join clubs, band, debate, etc... But many people do nothing but plug along and hope for it to end quickly.

It is a very brief period in your life but it has the opportunity to make an impact for the rest of your life. Find your niech (sp?), chess club, football team, swim club, whatever, just find something you like to do and do it.

I was not in the "all popular" group but I found my place, I enjoyed my highschool experience but I always remember the principals "get involved" speach and sometimes wish I took more out of it.

[Number 9 Dream]

The worst part of high school for me was DEFINITELY freshman year '96 (as many of you have mentioned). Oh god, that was hell. I was new to the school district and the only other friend I had in that school was my brother. I had come from a HUGE school district before that so it was quite an ajustment to come to this more exclusive school. Everyone had their cliques, people they've known since elementary school, and in comes two kids with funky dyed hair and goth clothes (lol, that was the style back then...it's so embarrassing to think of now!) I was immediately put in to the 'freak' category without people really getting to know me. I was teased a lot too. Thank god I found other people that were similar to me. I even met my current best friends in high school. I'd say 11th grade is when I finally came in to my own and started enjoying high school.

So, yeah, I'd say the worst part of high school is the judgemental people. But they are everywhere, Nikki--you just need to ignore them and do your own thing :) You'll find your own friends, people who respect and love you for who you are.

[dawsongirl]

Oh...everything. :lol:

Gym class was the worst for me. Worse than the heartbreak of crushes, worse than the classes, worse than getting picked on.....GYM CLASS. I still have nightmares about gym class.


lol...I loved Freshman year! It was awesome.

[evilNpunk]

That's true.....I asked a few popular girls in my school (that were my friends, of course) how to be popoular and they just said be yourself and talk to people......but being myself isn't good enough to be cool or popular :(
Honestly, being popular is overrated. You shouldnt worry about it. I never did. I'd be happier having a handful of good friends than having a bunch of "fake" friends that I have to act like something I'm not while I'm around them. Plus, once you get out of high school, no one is going to care who was popular and who was a loner.

[JT]

All you have to do is stick with your current friends and things will be fine. I had a major advantage my first year of real high school because being in band AND honors gave me a selection of people that I'll see every year regardless of what happens, so I've gotten close to a lotta people I never thought I'd be close with.

The students at my school are known for having sort of a don't-start-no-****-and-there-won't-be-no-**** attitude. Simply put, if you can take a joke and make a good one in return and just be yourself, you'll be fine. Step across the wrong line with the wrong person and you'll give everyone else a show as that wrong person beats your ass black and blue.

You'll realize people's true motivations. You'll realize how your closest friends really operate and you might decide to drop a few just because you don't want to let yourself be associated with such filth.

Most of all, you should just have a good time. Keep your grades together and try to get some kind of spirit for your school. You're lucky. You have over 2000 people there, whereas I only have about 1250 here, so you can blend in somewhere and most likely find a place for yourself.

[G-Force Glockstar]

The worst part of high school for me was DEFINITELY freshman year '96 (as many of you have mentioned). Oh god, that was hell. I was new to the school district and the only other friend I had in that school was my brother. I had come from a HUGE school district before that so it was quite an ajustment to come to this more exclusive school. Everyone had their cliques, people they've known since elementary school, and in comes two kids with funky dyed hair and goth clothes (lol, that was the style back then...it's so embarrassing to think of now!) I was immediately put in to the 'freak' category without people really getting to know me. I was teased a lot too. Thank god I found other people that were similar to me. I even met my current best friends in high school. I'd say 11th grade is when I finally came in to my own and started enjoying high school.

So, yeah, I'd say the worst part of high school is the judgemental people. But they are everywhere, Nikki--you just need to ignore them and do your own thing :) You'll find your own friends, people who respect and love you for who you are.

:( Are there more judgemental people in HS than MS?

[G-Force Glockstar]

Oh...everything. :lol:

Gym class was the worst for me. Worse than the heartbreak of crushes, worse than the classes, worse than getting picked on.....GYM CLASS. I still have nightmares about gym class.


lol...I loved Freshman year! It was awesome.

I HATE gym because I have to wear shorts and show my bare, pale, chubby legs!! :lol:

[Chain Gang Member]

There were people that had nothing to do but pick on me for liking this girl that stabbed me in the back in the end

[JT]

:( Are there more judgemental people in HS than MS?
Honestly, I hate the way people say that your friends will definitely turn on you in high school. If they're your friends, chances are, they have qualities similar to you, so they won't just change like that.

Judgemental people are everywhere and I doubt there's a big different between the amount in middle school and the amount in high school.

[Number 9 Dream]

Nah, I'd say its pretty much equal except you have the benefit of blending in more because high school is bigger. I think you'll be just fine, Nikki :)


:( Are there more judgemental people in HS than MS?

[JT]

See, going into junior high, we did the blending thing, and that was like, a really big thing. I still have lots of friends who I've been with since elementary, but most of my current friends are from the other schools. Really, after being mixed for three years now, I really can't tell you the difference between anyone regarding that whole thing. Everyone's crazy as hell at my school anyway.

[moeee]

The worst?? I would say being a Freshman, trying to find your first class on the 1st day of school. :lol:

[KristinHerreraFan]

Another thing I dislike about being in highschool is that there are too many "here today, gone tomorrow" friends. I had a best friend in freshman year, Carrie who was a sophomore at the time, and my sophomore year and her junior year she got transferred to another school, Josh who was my friend in 8th grade and freshman year, has nown grown apart from me and we hardly see eachother anymore, Mike and Chase now started hanging out with the cool gang, who have been friends with me since 7th grade, in the middle of sophomore year, they bailed on our group and went to another group. It's just theres so many friends coming and going that it gets hectic, it can also be depressing at times too.

[dawsongirl]

See, going into junior high, we did the blending thing, and that was like, a really big thing. I still have lots of friends who I've been with since elementary, but most of my current friends are from the other schools. Really, after being mixed for three years now, I really can't tell you the difference between anyone regarding that whole thing. Everyone's crazy as hell at my school anyway.
Mine was like that too. 5...or 6, I can't remember...elementaries all into one JH. Then were were all together until we graduated. HS was basically just a change of scenery and a few new faces in the seniors and juniors.

[dawsongirl]

The worst?? I would say being a Freshman, trying to find your first class on the 1st day of school. :lol:
It gets worse in college. Then you have to find the building first. That was funnnn....

[Mrs. Ducky]

I go to a 7-12 school, so by the time I was a freshman I already knew the building inside and out.

[vienna waits]

gym class for sure.

[PZelda]

The worst?? I would say being a Freshman, trying to find your first class on the 1st day of school. :lol:
That happened to me! I couldn't find my physical science classroom on the 1st day of freshman year, and my future senior year math teacher came out of her room to help me find my room. I was already late enough as it was. :lol:

It gets worse in college. Then you have to find the building first. That was funnnn....

Science buildings are the worst. At least in high school, you can look at an old yearbook first and get an idea of what your teachers look like. Not possible in college. :o I got lost trying to find my biology classes last year. :lol:

[LuLu Rogers]

I can honestly say that High School was the worst 4 years of my life. I hated it. I'm so glad that I graduated in 2005. College is so much better! To me college=Freedom!! LOL! ;)

[cmcb06]

Eh,

I was a quarterback on the Football Team. And was constantly getting rassed by the other players for being gay. If it wasn't for my peeps, I don't know how i would have gotten through that. But other than that it was great, I was a Straight A Student, still am. Which helped get me through. Had a lot of hot bfs, met a lot of cool friends. High School deffinately has it's good and bad.

[JT]

Eh,

I was a quarterback on the Football Team. And was constantly getting rassed by the other players for being gay. If it wasn't for my peeps, I don't know how i would have gotten through that. But other than that it was great, I was a Straight A Student, still am. Which helped get me through. Had a lot of hot bfs, met a lot of cool friends. High School deffinately has it's good and bad.
LOL

You'd fit in fine on my school's football team. Those guys really now how to screw around, literally! There's at least four or five who are known to be sexually ambiguous.

~~~

I think it's funny that everyone talks about not being able to find classrooms and buildings and such. At every school I've been to besides elementary, we've been given maps to help us out. The high school I go to is SO messed up in its layout (it's very creative, but very confusing), so maps are DEFINITELY needed.

[evilNpunk]

I think it's funny that everyone talks about not being able to find classrooms and buildings and such. At every school I've been to besides elementary, we've been given maps to help us out. The high school I go to is SO messed up in its layout (it's very creative, but very confusing), so maps are DEFINITELY needed.
Yeah same here. They give us maps, and when we pick up our schedules weeks before school starts, they usually leave the school open so you can wonder around the halls and find your classes. That way you wouldnt be totally lost on the first day.