What’s recently happened?
Annually on July 4, Americans across the nation come together to celebrate Independence Day, a commemoration of the start of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This day holds deep historical and cultural significance, representing the core values of freedom, democracy, and unity that the country was founded upon.
In the nearly 250 years since that pivotal moment, the Fourth of July has evolved into a national holiday characterized by patriotic displays, community gatherings, and a deep sense of national pride. Traditional festivities include fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family reunions, all aimed at celebrating the American spirit and honoring those who fought for the country's independence.
Fireworks have become a symbol of the Fourth of July, dating all the way back to the beginning of the holiday. Cities and towns across the nation host dazzling displays that light up the night sky.
Parades and community events also play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and collective identity. People gather to watch floats, marching bands, and military units parade down main streets, showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions that make up patriotism. These events provide an opportunity for citizens to come together, celebrate their shared history, and express their spirit. The men and women who serve this country with dedication, bravery, and sacrifices ensure citizens’ freedoms and safeguard their way of life. They are greatly appreciated for their dedication.
What’s coming up?
The start of school at Hammond Central High School (HCHS) is just around the corner, with classes beginning on August 12 from 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., marking a 15-minute earlier start than last year. Students are gearing up for the new academic year by shopping for supplies or attending school supply giveaways. To ensure a smooth transition from vacation mode to school mode, here are some essential tips and strategies for students and parents alike:
One of the most challenging aspects of returning to school is adjusting to a structured schedule. To ease this transition, it’s important to gradually reintroduce school-year routines a week or two before the start date. Parents can help by enforcing earlier bedtimes and wake-up times and reducing screen time in the afternoon to prepare for the school routine.
A well-supplied and organized backpack can make a significant difference in a student’s day-to-day school life. Schools often provide a list of required supplies, and it’s a good idea to purchase these items early to avoid last-minute stress. Labeling notebooks, folders, and other materials can help students keep track of their belongings.
Ensuring that students are in good health is crucial for their academic success and limits missing crucial topics in the classroom. Scheduling any necessary medical appointments, such as physicals or dental check-ups, before school starts can prevent disruptions later on. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are also key components of maintaining energy levels and concentration throughout the school day.
Establishing a line of communication with teachers from the beginning, especially as a new student, can be beneficial for both students and parents. HCHS offers an orientation on August 7 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m for freshmen or students new to the building. Attending the orientation can help students understand classroom expectations, the outline of the building, and even how to open a lock so there are not any troubles at the beginning of the new school year.
Community member spotlight:
As the new school year approaches, Frances Austin, an upcoming sophomore at HCHS, reflects on her freshman year and shares her aspirations and interests.
“I feel like my freshman year went really well,” Austin said. “I got to meet new people outside of my grade and stayed on top of the classes I took. My tip for incoming freshmen is to keep on top of their classes because I noticed that a lot of people I know weren’t doing that. Another tip is if you have a problem with any of your classes, talk to your counselor. My counselor was very helpful and sweet, and got my class switched to a class I preferred.”
As she looks ahead to her sophomore year, Austin has set clear academic goals for herself, and hopes to aim for grades consisting of A and B letter grades, maintaining her academic standing. She also aims to stay motivated throughout the entire school year, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining the same level of enthusiasm from the first to the last grading period. Additionally, Austin plans to get involved in after-school programs, a step she didn't take last year despite having an interest in some activities.
"My last goal is to get along with the teachers. I didn’t have any problems with my teachers last year, so this year I hope to like all of them,” said Austin.
When it comes to managing stress, Austin adopted a balanced approach of not stressing over what's out of reach.
“I tried to remember stuff I can control and can’t. For example, if I’m stressed about late work, I remember that I can still talk to teachers about it and that I can still do it. I’m not really good with the motivation part sometimes, but I find when I journal and make a schedule for myself it helps me become motivated. Another thing that helps is the people who you surround yourself with, because if they have the same goals as you, they will be rooting for you as you are for them. This is different compared to people who may not care for the same stuff as you and have different morals,” said Austin.
Outside of school, Austin has a passion for Spider-Man and enjoys collecting comics and figurines. Her favorite Spider-Man movie is “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Her love for the character extends to various forms of art, and she often indulges in creative projects with her family.
"Even today, my family and I painted tote bags, and I did a Spider-Punk design,” Austin said.
