Yesterday, Townsend Harris High School launched the 2024-2025 school year, welcoming students into the building for their first day of classes.
Students received their programs, locker numbers, and newly-implemented OMNY cards during their official classes at the beginning of the day. Students also followed a special schedule with shortened bands, allowing for all non-zero band classes to meet.
Students shared many feelings about their return to THHS following their summer break. Generally, students are feeling positively about the first day and what is to come.
After being able to visit her classes and meet her teachers, sophomore Maliha Duggal said that she is “optimistic” about the new school year.
In addition to returning students, new freshmen and sophomores also entered the building as Harrisites for the first time.
“I was anxious and nervous [whilst arriving at school], however those feelings soon went away after meeting people,” said freshman Sarah Alie.
Similarly, sophomore Lillian Parrella said, “I loved meeting my teachers again and seeing familiar faces.”
The first day also gave students insight into how the school year will look like for them, and what they expect academically in the coming months. Teachers used the time during the shortened bands to introduce themselves, discuss course expectations, and establish seating charts.
“Like usual, I told the class a little bit about myself. We made them say six word memoirs in order for them to get to know each other better,” said English teacher Aseeda Rasool.
Some students noted differences in how they interacted with teachers and students alike on their first day as opposed to last year, while some seniors are re-adjusting to high school classes.
“There were far more ice breakers introduced in all my classes on the first day of school this year as compared to last year,” said sophomore Vivian Lin. “Last year most of the teachers I had just gave out name tags.”
Senior Anton Rud said, “Today was different [from my previous first days], because most of my classes [this summer] were either college-level or at QC. As a senior, I got more opportunities to choose classes based on my own interests and career goals. It’ll take time to get used to the workload, as well as the new responsibilities and expectations.”
