What Every Paly 9th Grader Should Know

Computer Lab 2 (near the library) prints for free.

We have free student wireless for all students. Use it! It’s helpful.

The student wireless wifi password is: studentwireless.

There is a difference between classes that are challenging and classes that are too hard. Choose classes carefully.

The best bathrooms are in the Science Building—the bathrooms in the art building run out of toilet paper in the afternoon.

Use your Binder Reminder or a Daily Planner.

You and your friends will change, be prepared to make new friends and adapt.

Do something at school to get involved.

If you don’t understand something in school, talk to your teacher or get a tutor. Don’t just give up on it.

Turn off the computer and go to bed.

Finals are not stressful if you keep your grades-up all semester.

Hot chocolate with marshmallows on Fridays in the ARC.

Don’t worry about failing a test, just make sure you pass the next one.

The junior high to high school transition period may be tough—be patient and it will work out.

Town & Country is extremely crowded and always expensive for lunch. Don't buy lunch every day!!!

Your teachers are always willing to help you, just ASK.

Preps (free periods) for doing sports!!

So MANY CLUBS—find one that you like or start your own!

Take the AP Classes in the subjects you seriously like rather than trying to “look good in college app.”

Don’t be intimidated to use the MRC (Math Resource Center), or Silent Study Hall in the library. They may be scary at first, but they’ll help enormously.

Free Peer Tutoring in any subject is also available in the ARC in the Library.

Just ignore the construction. It’ll be done by the beginning of 2nd semester (hopefully)...

Attend a Paly football game! Seriously!  Games are awesome with an awesome band and an amazing dance/cheer team.

The library is open after school until 5 p.m. on most days. It’s a good place to actually get some homework done if you are easily distracted at home.

Paly is a very competitive school, but remember the smartest students are not the ones that take all APs. So don’t kill yourself to make yourself look smart. You won’t be happy, your teachers won’t be happy, and your friends will certainly call your bluff. Be yourself!

Get to know the teachers who will become your possible TA’s (Teacher Advisor). It’s good to know your future TA well before you become one of their students.

Don’t stress over SAT/ACT/Subject tests or college applications during your freshman year. No really, don’t. Coming from someone that actually made that mistake...

Paly dances are fun!!! Go to them!!

When you have the option to pick your class, pick classes you’ll LIKE. Trust me, school will be a lot more fun.

Freshmen grades actually matter. Some people say that they don’t, but they do.

Paly has a fixation with the Ivies and Stanford. Don't buy into it. The best school to go to is the one with the best combination of social and emotional aspects *for you*.