When the Freshman Academy was in its beginning stages, administrative staff established several goals and intentions to create a positive environment for 9th grade students. Brad Seamer, the Freshman Academy principal; Sarah Brink, a science teacher; and Barry Longden, a math teacher, shared their opinions and goals of the Freshman Academy.
One of the first questions asked was why they wanted to be a part of the FA. Mr. Seamer explained his love for his job: “I love working with freshmen because it is a fresh start for them and for me.” Working all day long with mostly freshmen, Mr. Seamer visits with students about grades, attendance, and behaviors. “I have a really cool job and I enjoy it very much,” Mr. Seamer answered when commenting about his daily schedule. He also enjoys meeting with teams of freshmen teachers who share the same students.
Additionally, Mr. Longden explained his goals for the Freshman Academy. He said, “My goals for the Freshman Academy include being a place where students can seamlessly transition from middle school to high school, have many student-supports available for student success, and allow students voice and choice for how they learn best.” Ms. Brink shared a similar answer of how she thought the Freshman Academy benefitted students. She responded, “I think the academy benefits freshmen by allowing them to have a fresh space that gives them a taste of some of the freedoms of high school without the added stress of figuring that out in front of upperclassmen.” She believed the Freshman Academy would alleviate students of stress and assist them in feeling properly prepared for the rest of their high school career.