Growing up I was often told senior year of high school would be the most important and most memorable. However, as a senior, I believe every year contributes to the experience. Freshman through junior year, I attended a school closer to downtown Denver. It became the only social environment I was familiar with. My senior year, though, I had no choice but to move schools, and Dakota Ridge High School was my only option. Considering the difference between not only the district, but the community in general, I was close to terrified. However, after senior year began, it didn’t take long for me to grasp all the opportunities and growth Dakota Ridge has to offer.
Shortly before school started, my mom and I received an email from my counselor, Mr. Smith, regarding my classes and which I’d like to take. Since the graduation requirements in Jeffco differ from the requirements in Denver, there were some credits I had to make up and some I already had enough of. I was also behind on my SAT scores and needed to take another test to graduate. But I wouldn’t have been aware of that if my counselor did not prioritize my needs.
When school began, I was welcomed by teachers and peers as usual. I was not only welcomed as a new student, but an eagle, which made it easier for me to feel comfortable and find a sense of belonging. Although I was new, the teachers, and even students, treated me as they would any other student — with an open mind, compassion and inclusivity.
I quickly noticed the increase in work time when introduced to Talon and Access times. Compared to my old school, only 30 minutes of office hours were provided after school for students to make up work and get help from teachers, possibly lunch as well. At Dakota Ridge, on the other hand, students have the opportunity from 7:25 a.m.-8 a.m. every day and 8:50 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. every other day to meet with teachers. Due to the workload, I find these opportunities very useful and have even seen a decrease in my workload after taking advantage of these extra times.
Along with these opportunities for success, I was introduced early to Warren Tech and Career Exploration in which students have access to programs that help them with post secondary learning that supports future skills and success. Although I did not join the programs, I still find them useful and easily accessible compared to other schools. For example, Dakota Ridge is one of the four high schools in Jeffco that offer the IB diploma program.
Considering how anxious I was to move to Dakota Ridge, it definitely had a warm, welcoming and strong community, all of which will contribute to my last year in high school in a memorable upbringing way.
