Freshman Freshman
Survival Survival Guide Guide 2018
Legacy High School for students, by students
produced by Legacy Student Media www.legacystudentmedia.com | www.therideronline.com
Our History If you asked anyone about Mansfield, Texas in the 60s, 70s or 80s, they would have mentioned the Kowbell Indoor Rodeo. Mansfield, a small rural community at the time, was a popular stopping place for cowboys and cowgirls. The Kowbell was the place to go for an indoor rodeo experience. Rodeos were held each Saturday night, year round.
Myths o Stairs
The Arena was originally built with an open roof and a canvas top that could be lowered for shelter during inclement weather. In 1961, a permanent roof was added to the arena and continued operating the Rodeo. The Kowbell Rodeo closed and the property was sold to MISD in 2004. Because of Mansfield’s fast growing population, MISD administrators purchased the historic location to build the district’s fourth high school. After clearing land and deciding on blueprints, newly hired principal, Mr. David Wright, formed a committee to create the school’s name and mascot. Legacy fit perfectly. Broncos fit even better. In June 2006, committee members chose red and black as the colors. After 18 months of construction, Legacy High School opened in August of 2007 and housed over 2,100 students. To honor the school’s “Legacy” to Mansfield, the dance team was named the Silver Spurs, the yearbook had been named the Arena, and the newspaper was dubbed The Rider. Not to mention, you can find many loud cowbells at our sporting events. The PAC, band hall and journalism room can be found where the former rodeo area once stood.
page 2 | Freshman Survival Guide
Girls’ Locker room
Guys’ Locker room
did you know? • Cookies are sold by PTSA members Wednesdays and Fridays next to the attendance office.
• Using lockers is an option, not a requirement. • It’s always cold in the classrooms. Carrying a jacket is advised.
• You can’t go to the bathroom the first or last 10-15 minutes of class.
of Legacy
• There is no fourth
floor, nor plans to have a fourth floor. Be the first freshman class to stop looking for it. • Middle school
rumors usually involve Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. These are not on campus, but you can visit The Legends Café at Legacy in A-K103. The café sells coffee and hot chocolate. It’s also a spot you can go study or hang out in during a down-period. • The swimming pool
is across town; there is no pool on campus. However, you might find one in the softball field after a big rain.
Swimming Pool
oom
n’t e om t or 5 s of
fables and tall tales
• You are not allowed
to go off campus for lunch. But because you don’t drive, it shouldn’t be a big problem. • No worries,
upperclassmen really don’t make fun of freshmen. They may laugh at you looking for the fourth floor. • If you get your phone taken up, you have to pay the bookkeeper, Ms. Nance, $15 to get it back. • Only the bathrooms in the middle of the halls are unlocked during the day; the bathrooms on the ends stay locked.
• Girls’ homecoming mum sizes depend on your grade; you wear a one flower mum as a freshman and add a flower every year. • All the doors, other than the front entrance, lock after 7:25 a.m.
• Homework isn’t an
option. Just like in middle school, teachers give you grades for it. • Tutoring is not
just for dumb people. The most successful students are usually the ones who go.
basics on Being a legacy bronco | Page 3
pep rallies Cheers you need to know: “What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go! What’s that cheer we like to hear, go Broncos go Broncos go! A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO A-YO, A, A A-YO A-YO!” “I believe that we will win!” Tips for pep rally spirit • Always cheer on the mascot, Bucky • Cheer for your class • Anytime you hear the speaker yell your class, represent • Don’t sit down, be respectful • Get involved • Don’t be afraid to participate in our pep rallies
Seniors
Juniors
Sophomores Freshmen
Pep rally seating ‘arrangements’
Players Band
Guide to Bronco Spirit Fight song: We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, So we can cheer and bring the heat.
We will be loud and proud - a big family, And we will come as one and have victory, Now let’s go Broncos get up on your feet, No we will not accept defeat. B-R-O-N-C-O-S Broncos, Broncos, Go Broncos! We are the Broncos we are red, black and white, We are the Broncos we will put up a fight, Now let’s go Broncos get set for a win, We’ll be victorious ‘till the end!
events that matter • Homecoming is October 12th.
• L.U.C.K. week: February/ March (raising money for someone in need)
page 4 | Freshman Survival Guide
• Bronco BOLD: April/May (Bring Others Love Daily)
dress code basics
wear this not that
dates that matter
Aug. 15: First day of school Sept. 3: Labor day holiday Sept. 6: Yearbook photos Sept. 28: Student holiday/staff development day Oct. 8: Student holiday/staff development day Oct. 26: Student holiday/parent-teacher conference day
Nov. 19: Student holiday/SDCE Nov. 20-23: Thanksgiving break Dec. 20: End of first semester Dec. 21: Student holiday/ teacher workday Dec. 24-Jan. 4: Winter break Jan. 7: Student holiday/teacher workday Jan. 8: School resumes/Second semester begins
Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. day holiday Feb. 15: District wide holiday Feb. 18: President’s Day holiday March 11: Student holiday March 12-15: Spring break April 19: Spring holiday/Bad Weather Makeup Day May 23: Last day of school/End of second semester
Spirit Guide, Dress code, Events & dates | Page 5
g hall
pe gym s hall
h hall d hall
front of school
i hall
I hall
ca
pol i k ce/ -hall stu co
Jv gym
page 6 | Freshman Survival Guide k hall T hall
s hall
theatre/ Pac theater
choir
Art
n hall
band band
d hall journalism
Art
ria
m hall
restaurant mgmt.
jrotc
te fe
T hall
DANCE ROOM
j hall
J hall
Back parking lot
first floor second floor U hall
LIBRARY
main gym
R hall
third floor
y hall
w hall
Z hall
Finding your way reading hallways 101 the second letter: Tells you what hallway it is
the remaining numbers: Tells you the location in the hall
V hall
w hall
y hall
A-J123 the first letter: Tells you what kind of hall it is • A- academic • P - physical education • E - elective
the first number: Tells you what floor it is (1, 2 or 3)
SChool map | Page 7
Get Involved: environmental club Anime Club Where they Meet Ms. Fagan’s room, U204 When they Meet Every other Wednesday Sponsor Ms. Fagan Purpose To bring awareness of environmental issues and encourage students to be responsible citizens.
Where they Meet Ms. Bennett’s room, AY322 When they Meet Every other Thursday Sponsor Ms. Bennett Purpose To enjoy Japanese culture and give kids who love anime a place to gather and get to know each other.
drama Club
journalism
Where they Meet PAC When they Meet First Tuesday of every month after school Sponsors Mr. Ferman and Ms. Alverson Purpose To foster a love of theater for students on stage, back stage, and in the audience.
Where they Meet EO102, journalism room When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsors Mr. Mallett and Ms. Dearinger Purpose Provide information and photos, make a yearbook, a newspaper, videos, take pictures, and have fun.
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Paws Crossed
Author’s Club
Debate
Chess Club
Where they Meet Ms. Anderson’s room, AT204 When they Meet Every other Thursday Sponsor Ms. Anderson Purpose To bring students together that are passionate about animals and help animals in need find loving homes.
Where they Meet Mr. Ritz’ room, J114 When they Meet Every Thursday after school Sponsor Mr. Ritz Purpose For opportunities to meet new friends, go on trips, and learn new skills that will help you in everything you do.
Where they Meet Mrs. Bennett’s room, AY313 When they Meet Every other Thursday Sponsor Ms. Bennett Purpose The purpose behind Author’s Club is to allow for students who want to pursue creative writing as a profession to meet, share, and learn. The Author’s Club wants to provide a fun environment to allow students to grow.
Where they Meet Ms. Kamphaus’ room, AW310 When they Meet Friday after school Sponsor Ms. Kamphaus Purpose For students to come and play chess. New players can learn the game and experienced players can challenge each other.
clubs &
organizations
To learn more about the clubs we offer here at Legacy, check out:
therideronline.com
INTERACT CLUB
Art Club
Student Council
Bowling
AVid
Improv
JROTC
key club
Where they Meet The counselors conference room When they Meet Every other week Sponsor Ms. Julius and Ms. Fields Purpose To uphold the value “service before self.” The club gives students an opportunity to be involved in hands on service projects.
Where they Meet Ms. Roberts’ room, When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor Ms. Roberts Purpose To prepare students for college. They learn organizational skills to help them reach their fullest potential as a student. Twice a week they have tutors come in to help the students.
Where they Meet Ms. Veselka’s room or Mr. Skinner’s room located in the art hallway When they Meet Once a month depending on the project Sponsor Ms. Veselka and Mr. Skinner Purpose To promote the arts in our community.
Where they Meet In the PAC When they Meet Auditions are the second week of school, then every second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Sponsor Mr. Ferman and Ms. Alverson Purpose Have fun while entertaining an audience.
Where they Meet Ms. Cavnar’ s room, B101 When they Meet Tuesday mornings Sponsor Ms. Cavnar Purpose To provide effective leadership for the students, to instill democratic values in those members of the organizations, to provide an active student life for the student body, and to give students a voice.
Where they Meet Sgt. Maj. Smith’s room, K104 When they Meet Scheduled block Sponsor Sgt. Maj. Smith and SFC Watkins Purpose To motivate young people to be better citizens.
Where they Meet Alley Cats When they Meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school Sponsor Ms. Ellis Purpose To bowl, have fun and get student’s minds off of school.
Where they Meet Ms. Gross’ room, AV302 When they Meet Tuesday at 3 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 a.m. Sponsor Ms. Gross Purpose Key Club International is a community service organization that helps students become leaders.
visit therideronline.com for our full list of clubs and organizations
What we do here | Page 9
freshman code Don’t act like a freshman You probably don’t know what this means yet because you are one, but come sophomore year, you will understand. Just be you. Don’t text and walk You will get distracted and probably run into something or someone. Don’t try to one-up others It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a senior or one of your fellow freshman classmates, don’t try to one-up someone else. Chances are the person you’re one-upping will not care. Don’t act preppy and excited for high school It will fade quicker than you can imagine. Millions of other people in America go to high school too, it’s nothing special. Watch the doors in the hallway The doors open out, so keep your head up when you are walking in the halls. There are too many stories of people getting hit by the doors. Stay off your phone and walk with purpose on your way to your classes. Don’t play music in the hallway Just because you like techno music doesn’t mean everyone else wants to hear it. Don’t complain This is just the beginning, you will have better things to complain about during junior year. Don’t shout in the hallways You saw your friend 20 minutes ago; there’s no need to let everyone know how much you missed them. Don’t stop walking Get to class. Don’t stop and talk to your friends in the middle of the hallway. You become a roadblock for everyone else.
page 10 | Freshman Survival Guide
exemptions Exemptions can be confusing in high school and they change every year. Expect these to change, but here are the rules for the 2018-2019 school year: • Eligible students will receive two exemptions, as of May 2018, if they meet the required standards. • Students must maintain an 80 or above average for the semester. • No more than two absences in the class a student wants to exempt. • An absence for a school-related function does not count against you. For example, if you go on a band trip for three days, don’t worry about losing exemptions. • Students suspended, sent to an alternative education program (BIC or JJAEP) or sent to AC for any reason cannot exempt. • Don’t get in trouble for dress code or any other reason. Even if you’re in AC for five minutes, it still takes away all of your exemptions. • Students may not absence fail any class for the semester. • If a student violates one requirement, they will lose exemptions. • Each semester cleans the slate for students. If you have three absences for the first semester, they will not affect exemptions for the second semester. You will be able to pick up your exemptions during your lunch a few days before exams begin.
time shift - 7 a.m. is early :( Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep You can survive with less, but doctors suggest getting around this amount of sleep. Don’t procrastinate (this is big) Doing all your homework in one night will make you extremely tired and will leave you exhausted the next day. Work on homework when you get it so the stack doesn’t pile up. Eat Breakfast Eating breakfast ensures energy to get through the morning classes. Pack ahead of time Pack your school stuff together at night before you go to bed so you can sleep in later and not have to worry about scrambling to find a misplaced paper. Plan your morning routine Setting your morning routine in your memory makes the process easier and faster. Run up the stairs If you find yourself feeling tired for any reason, run up and down the stairs a couple times. It gets the blood flowing and wakes you up naturally.
apps to know keynote
socrative
google drive
itunes u
skyward
Free Graphing Calculator
Canvas
Quizlet
lunch info 1. Get there early or pick a short line because they take forever. That is not an exaggeration. 2. Buying a full meal is cheaper (in comparison) than buying everything separately. 3. Chips in the line cost less than chips in the vending machine. It may only save you a quarter, but quarters turn into dollars and dollars turn you into Bill Gates. 5. Ask for extra condiments. If you’re trying to cover your whole sandwich or have enough for all of your fries - ask for extra. 6. Anything chicken is usually good, and the nachos are always a safe choice. 7. You have to stay on campus for lunch.
academic expectations • Always remember to turn your work in. It’s a good idea to still turn it in even if it is late or not finished. • Your goal in ninth grade is to earn six credits to be able to move on to 10th grade next year. • Go to tutorials for help early. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Go! • As a freshman, you are going to have frequent binder and planner checks. Make sure you learn the expectations and requirements for this. • If you fail a test, go to your teacher to retest within a week. • If you have questions, problems or need help with anything, go to your teacher!
helpful websites 1. Your teacher’s website 2. therideronline.com 3. kahoot.it 4. britannica.com
Who to follow:
@LegacyBroncos @therideronline @legacyhscheer @legacybroncofb @LHSDrill @legacychoirs @LegacySBall @LegacyStuCo @Legacylivenow
school supplies • Backpack • Pencil • Pen • Highlighter • Paper • binder
5. googleforms.com 6. khanacademy.com 7. mathway.com 8. dropbox.com
iPad Basics • It’s a really good idea to charge your iPad every night. If your iPad is dead, then you won’t be able to do the activities in class to your fullest extent. Paper copies are no fun. If your iPad isn’t working, visit Jessica retchless in room 120. • Every student must have one. Remember to bring your iPad to class every day. • Make sure you don’t download any blacklisted apps. It will get your iPad taken up and then your life will get much more difficult.
*Don’t purchase school supplies until after the first day of school. Teachers will pass out a syllabus with additional school supplies. Bring both A day and B day supplies every day. Keep it all together.
Helpful information | Page 11
Who to know
Dr. Butler Principal
What are your pet peeves? “Dress code. Just follow it.” What do you want freshmen to know? “Take care of business. You will have lots of fun here at Legacy, but within that fun you need to make sure everything is taken care of.” What do you outside of Legacy? “I’m a big sports fan. Any kind of sport, everything. I just really like anything that’s competitive.”
Ms. Nance
Ms. Watkins Nurse
Lead Counselor
what are you known for? “I am known for football tickets for Fridays and paying any types of fines or fees. I take the money that you all pay your teachers in the classrooms for certain various fees. I do not handle the lunch account. A lot of students think I do, but I do not.”
What DO YOU WANT FRESHmen to know? Don’t be afraid of us, everyone is always welcome. We will never tell you no.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW? “A kid came into my office thinking that there was a fourth floor and I had to fully explain to him and show him a map to prove to him that there wasn’t a fourth floor. There is no fourth floor.”
Bookkeeper
what do you want freshmen to know? “I would love freshmen to know that I’m located in the counseling center toward the end of the hallway. They can come see me for anything, my door is always open.”
page 12 | Freshman Survival Guide
What is your pet Peeve? My biggest pet peeve is when students come into the office with no student ID and no pass from their teachers.
Ms. Vorsino
What are your pet peeves? What is one random fact “My biggest pet peeve are students who don’t pass their about you? “I am a giant movie, music, and classes. It creates extra work for the counselors.” game nerd.”
Ms. Ready Assistant Principal
What are you “famous” for? “I like to think I’m famous for helping people.” What do you want freshmen to know? “I want them to know that hard work pays off.” What is one random fact about you? “I love any kind of 80s music.”
Mr.Cousins Assistant Principal
What are your pet peeves? “When students don’t wear their IDs, are late to class.” What do you want freshmen to know? “I want them to understand that you must have a great start in order to be successful and that the teachers are behind them because this is a family.” What are you known for? “Where’s your ID?”
Mr. Contereas
Mr. Villegas
WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO look forward to? “The many different opportunities they have to participate on campus, such as athletics, clubs, band, JROTC, and drill team, to get involved in school.”
WHAT DO YOU WANT FRESHMEN TO KNOW? “I would like them to know that thier freshman year is the most challenging. Take every class seriously, and always ask for help because your first year in high school is the most important year in your high school career.”
Assistant Principal
What are you known for? “Caring for kids. When they know they have a problem, they know that I can help them with whatever problem they have.”
Assistant Principal
What are you known for? “I’ve been told by several students that I’m easy to talk to, a great encourager, and a listener.”
Important people on staff | Page 13
some important (boring) stuff tutorials
finding tutoring schedules Most teachers have their tutoring schedule outside of their room either on the wall or on their door. Otherwise tutoring schedules can be found on Legacy’s website under the resources tab.
how to study
1. Time is Money Give yourself plenty of time to learn the material. It is important to not procrastinate the night before. It’ll make the next day easier and stress free.
What are tutoring incentives? You can get a tutoring form from your assistant principal’s office. These forms can be used to add points to your grades. To be eligible for the extra points, you must attend an hour of tutoring before or after school and have your teacher sign off on it.
2. Get in the zone Make sure to find a quiet environment where nothing will disturb you and you can focus. Play some instrumental music to help you concentrate.
tardies
2. No more than two After two tardies in the same day, the attendance office can write you a referral or place you in AC. Neither of these options are preferable, so don’t be late.
1. 20 minutes max Tardies turn into absences after 20 minutes of missed class. Don’t miss more than you have to; it will catch up with you.
time management
3. REward Systems Give yourself motivation to work hard and finish your work by promising rewards such as a phone break or candy ever hour or 30-minute increment.
Homework Having a job or playing a sport can complicate a schedule. Doing your homework at lunch the day you get it can help you get it done on time. Doing little bits at a time throughout the day can also help more than you think.
Other Options If you can’t make your normal teacher’s tutoring, you can find a teacher of the same subject that has a different tutoring schedule.
4. Break it up Taking time off in between studying can help your brain retain the information better. After a while, your brain gets tired and needs rest in order for you to do best.
5. Repetition is the mother of learning Make some flash cards, or rewrite your notes to get the information in your head. Going over notes again helps the info stick.
3. PASSING PERIODS You have five minutes between each passing period. Multiple tardies can lead to Saturday school or AC, and you can’t get your exemptions at the end of the semester if you’ve had AC in the past.
Social Life Having friends is hard when you have to balance lots of things during the day. Having study dates with friends is a great way to have a social life and get all your work done at the same time.
Beauty Sleep Getting enough sleep during the week can be a problem for a lot of teenagers. Doing homework early instead of procrastinating can help you get to bed earlier. Eating an early dinner can also help you feel tired and ready to go to sleep earlier.
make up work 1. Ask your teachers for work the day before you miss.
2. Check your teachers’ resources or their website if they have one.
3. Have your parents call ahead when you plan on being absent from school.
page 14 | Freshman Survival Guide
4. Try not to miss more than two days of the same class so you can have exemptions.
5. Plan appointments around core classes and/or important days.
6. If you’re sick, bring a doctors note to attendance office.
7. Skipping classes isn’t worth it. You can’t learn if you aren’t there.
freshmen bucket list meet Keel
get involved A great way to get the total high school experience is by joining clubs and participating in school activities. Dress up days are a great way to show your Bronco pride. See page 8 and 9 for a list of clubs and organizations that you can get involved in. We highly recommend joining Journalism or other clubs for bonds and experiences you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
non-football sporting events
Teacher of the year Coach Michael Keel is a loyal and outgoing AP U.S. History teacher and Varsity boys soccer coach who likes to joke around, but expects hard work in and out of the classroom. He has been with Legacy for five years.
Tip:
Football is iconic, so go. But also attend a volleyball or basketball game. You’re closer to the action and can yell louder. Our spring sports are usually in the playoffs. Don’t be a bandwagon fan and just show up for softball, soccer
and baseball playoffs.
Go to games, events, and dress up for spirit days. It encourages more school spirit, and your high school experience will be more fun.
read The Rider
participate in fund-raisers
The online student newspaper, The Rider Online, is a great source of news and a way to stay involved with the school. From movie reviews to student profiles, photos and videos, The Rider Online has you covered. therideronline.com
Every year, the school has a series of fund raisers. From the senior class trying to earn prom money, to the school teaming up to raise money for that years L.U.C.K. week candidate, every cause is deserving.
buy a yearbook
letter jacket
Yes, the cost is more than the $20 you paid at middle school, however, the high school book is 320 pages, has autograph pages and tons of memories. It’s the only thing you’ll have from high school 10, 20, 30 years from now - unless you plan to carry that iPhone around in 2045 with your grand children. You won’t regret it.
Lettering in a sport or club is a great way to show commitment to the sport and a fun way to show school spirit everywhere you go.
get a mum
Homecoming is one of the most festive games of the whole year. Show your school spirit with a bushel of decorative ribbon, feathers, and bells.
Need to know something? Legacy Student Media has answers. Email us at info@therideronline.com
Extra info | Page 15
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