Although the first day of school may be new and exciting, the second day opens up even more opportunities. The class periods are now the usual 50 minutes instead of 30, which gives students the chance to get to know their classmates and teachers on a more personal level.

As students return for their first real day of school, they start to feel the pressure of their classes. Homework is given and teachers review syllabuses for the year. Students are challenged to come out of their summer mindset and focus on school.

Feeling welcomed by her fellow peers, Brittany Bender, ’16, thoroughly enjoyed her second day of school. Attending FC for the first time, Bender enjoys the atmosphere of the classes.

“I liked the second day of school because I got to know my teachers better,” Bender said. “I’m making friends really fast. A lot of people are coming up to me and introducing themselves. It’s really exciting. I like the class size because you know everyone’s name.”

Junior Caleb Nale, who attend Clovis East last year, remains excited about attending FC as a new student. He accepts the new adjustments handed to him, such as meeting new people and opening a locker. Nale is also focused on becoming more organized in order for the school year to go by smoothly.

“Organization is a habit I need to make,” Nale said. “I need to focus more on keeping everything in its place and not just stuffing it in my backpack. Lockers are another aspect of school that I need to get used to. Hopefully that will keep me more organized. I’m also looking forward to building personal relationships with my teachers, which is something that is not very common at Clovis East.”

No longer being cushioned by the first day of school, the students are faced with jumping straight into school work. Some teachers begin to give out assignments in order to set the school year in motion. Several students start trying to break old habits and form some better ones.

Ileana See, ’14, realizes all the habits she needs to break are due to summer. See hopes to improve her focus compared to last year and strives to keep up with her classes.

“I really need to go to sleep earlier and improve my eating habits,” See said. “Over the summer I snacked a lot, so now I need to focus more on school and less on my stomach. I also need to get rid of my summer brain to make sure I keep up with all of my work.”

Already having one year of high school completed, Kim Ward, ’15, starts with a brighter outlook on school by knowing what to expect and when to expect it. Although Ward is unhappy about the periods of which some classes are, she continues to stay enthusiastic about which classes she does obtain.

“As a sophomore I know more or less what to expect,” Ward said. “Of course this year my schedule might be more difficult but I’m excited to see what the year offers me. One challenging aspect of returning to school is going to sleep earlier and waking up on time.”

This new year brings on fresh starts for some and the end of journeys for others. For freshmen, they are starting over with unknown teachers, harder classes and new people. For seniors, they approach the end of their high school career which leaves them pondering their future.

Justin Houts, ’16, looks forward to starting high school with different faces and teachers. He strives to make new habits hoping it will lead him to success in his classes.

“I’m excited about the new teachers that come with high school,” Houts said. “I look forward to the schedule I have because I know I can handle it. Also, it should be a little easier because I won’t have {Hallie} Rojeski for history. The only negative thing so far is being put back at the bottom as a freshmen; no longer on top as an eighth grader.”

Senior Katie Baker-Pauls is excited to enter into her senior year, hoping that the future brings her many new adventures. Although there are a couple schedule changes Baker-Pauls would like to make, she continues to stay cheerful that she received the classes she needed.

“I’m ready to get out of school and go to college,” Baker-Pauls said. “I’m excited to go out on my own and see what’s out there for me. I have some problems with math, but I’m just glad I have enough credits to graduate.”

Adding more classes to his schedule, math and science teacher, David Lee only hopes he can lead his students to success. Feeling the pressure of obtaining a full schedule as a second year teacher at FC, he remains determined to keep up and stay focused with all of his classes.

“I just hope I can do the best job I can presenting the material to my students,” Lee said. “My extra classes definitely add extra pressure but I’m excited to see what the school year holds for me. I admire the FCS staff for working their full schedules. It takes determination and focus from both teachers and students.”

For more features, read the Aug. 14 article, Day one: Renovated environments usher fresh start.

Editor’s Note: Check back later for an added slideshow.