Freshman Seminar

Freshman Seminar is a course designed to promote a successful transition between middle school and high school. Taught by Boulder High School teachers, the course provides students with opportunities for academic enrichment and assistance, as well the chance to improve organizational and communication skills. In addition, part of the course is dedicated to preparation for career planning and course selection.

Research has shown that students feel the way their teachers treat them as people has the greatest influence on their attachment to the school and their belief in their own academic future (McLaughlin). The relationships developed in Freshman Seminar help to cultivate a school where teachers know students as learners and individuals, creating an environment that fosters high student achievement.

Freshman Seminar goals:

• Provide opportunities for new 9th graders to connect to an adult (the Freshman Seminar leader) to peer mentors (Pride Leaders) and to the school.
• Support the habit of accessing tutor time.
• Teach the concrete behaviors needed to be successful learners:
• • Attending regularly
  • Doing homework
  • Learning how to study
  • Using time well
  • Understanding one's own needs and style as a learner
  • Knowing how the credit system works
  • Knowing how to access support and solve problems within the school
• Teach crucial social skills for navigating the choppy waters of high school. This means dealing with peer pressure around sexual contact and substance use.
• Encourage participation in school clubs and activities.
• Promote ethical behavior and effective problem solving.
• Introduce equity issues and teach how to be an appropriate member of a diverse community.
• Teach effective communication skills for use with adults and peers.

All incoming 9th graders are expected to attend all Freshman Seminar classes and TAP periods and will receive credit for doing so. Grading is pass/fail. Students with 3 or less absences (excused or unexcused) will pass.

Freshman Seminar will include the following topics:

• Infinite Campus
• Academic Success
• Internet safety
• Clubs, sports and activities at Boulder High School
• Resources available to students at Boulder High School
• Safety, alcohol and drugs
• Time and stress management
• Diversity
• Course selection
• Career planning
• Connections

Please check the Freshmen Program web site for weekly updates.

Freshmen Seminar meets every Monday from 2:30 - 3:00 P.M. and TAP is every Wednesday from 2:10 - 3:00. Freshmen Seminar is required for all freshmen and students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the TAP period to see their teachers or to get extra help.