The 9th Grade Experience - Season 3, Episode 3: Back to School with 9th Grade Assistant Principal Jordan Fortier

Season 3, Episode 3: Back to School with 9th Grade Assistant Principal Jordan Fortier

08/27/20 • 32 min

With the start of a new school year just days away and feelings of unease about the unknown about the jump from middle school to high school in most student's and parent's minds, today's episode hopes to give some information to alleviate those fears.

Today's guest, 9th Grade Assistant Principal Jordan Fortier, gives the most up-to-date information about the first two weeks of school. We talk about Week 1, when students will have the opportunity to come to the building and meet their teachers and participate in classes, both in person and online, and what is in store for students after Labor Day when we begin our all remote option.

At the end of the episode, we talk about the importance of controlling things within your reach and some strategies to help with the transition to high school.

Previous Episode

Season 3, Episode 2: EHS Graduate Spotlight Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam '99

We often tell high schoolers that to be successful, they should eventually pick one area and focus their attention heavily. For Clarence Lam, a 1999 Emmaus High School graduate. it was a desire to pursue multiple passions that has led him on a unique career path.

After finishing at EHS, he went on to study both political science and biology. He has gone on to become a physician in preventive medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Maryland State Senator for District 12 in Baltimore and Howard Counties, since his election in November 2018.

During this conversation, Lam talks about his high school social studies classes opening his eyes to the world and the importance of civics and government, his unique combination of skills being an asset during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his advice about taking the new found independence of being in high school and using it to figure out a future direction.

Where to find Senator Lam online:

Website: http://www.clarencelam.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarenceLamMD/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarencelammd

Next Episode

Season 3, Episode 4: Clubs and Activities with Assistant Athletic Director Matt Spengler

One of the themes that has come up time and time again as we have detailed successful 9th graders on this show has been their involvement in extracurricular activities. But, during a time when school is remote or hybrid, how will students be involved in clubs, activities, and organizations?

On this episode Assistant Athletic Director Matt Spengler gives the latest information on getting involved virtually and hopefully face-to-face, when it is safe for students, He breaks down the challenges and the current solutions for beginning activities like marching band, athletics, and finally clubs. He also directs students where to find out information about each club and its advisor.