TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction | 2-3
Effective Study Habits | 4-5
Frequently Asked Questions | 6-9
Building a Positive School Climate | 10
Warriors BEyond | 11
Sample Freshman Schedule | 12
Extracurriculars | 13-22
Eligibility | 23
Fight Song/Alma Mater | 24
INTRODUCTION
High School may seem like a big change from junior high and you may be feeling a little nervous. If so, you are not alone – all freshmen are starting high school together and wondering how their high school experience is going to go. You are all in this together so relax and get ready for a fun and rewarding high school experience! Here are a few freshman survival tips to remember as you get ready for your first day of high school.
Be prepared for change.
This is a brand-new journey. You will notice a difference in what you’ve been used to in your friends, teachers, and school. Change is different but change can be good. Be ready for changes that lead you to be the best you can be. Do not procrastinate.
The sooner you get things done the more time you will have to do the things you like to do. You will feel more relaxed and prepared if you get things checked off your to-do list early, rather than at the last minute.
Consider an extracurricular activity.
High school is a great time to figure out what you are interested in. Follow your interests through clubs and sports. This is also a great way to meet a new group of people.
Make good first impressions, especially on teachers.
Keep an eye on Schoology.
Check this for daily homework and assignments. You can also customize it for your personal schedule.
Eat breakfast and lunch.
Whether you purchase food in the cafeteria or bring your food to school, your brain and body need energy to perform. It is scientifically proven that high school students perform better if they have healthy meals and snacks.
Be yourself and be original.
Be organized.
High School can be a difficult time for everyone. Keep this in mind when approaching people: you’re all in the same boat. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when talking to new people; you might surprise yourself!
Stay positive.
Be prepared for class, on time, and be an active participant. A positive first impression with your teachers will go a long way and will follow you throughout high school.
This will save you tons of heartaches, headaches and extra homework. Get a system for organizing yourself that works for you.
Be realistic. Not every day will be problem free. Even on your worst days, try to keep a positive attitude. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need to.
EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS
Your teacher is the best person to give you specific study tips for his/her class. The teacher knows your progress in that class and can be the most effective person in advising you how to improve a grade or be a more effective learner.
Study hall teachers are available during study hall to help answer any questions you might have even if they’re not your teacher. Take advantage of this resource to get some extra support.
Use a regular study area. When you use the same place to study, day after day, your mind and body become trained. It should help you focus and concentrate quickly. When studying, figure out what method works best for you, whether this means listening to classical music or taking effective study breaks. Also avoid other distractions such as the TV or phone.
Use your waiting time effectively. Ten minutes waiting on a bus or five minutes between classes can add up. Also, in between school and extracurricular activities, use this time to your advantage.
Don’t get too comfortable. Easy chairs, the bed or a sofa can be dangerous places to study. If you are too comfortable, your body may be getting the message “time to sleep” rather than “time to study.”
Be aware of your best time of day. Many people learn best in daylight hours. Think about if this is true for you. If it is, schedule time to study during the day. If not, find out what is best.
Study difficult subjects first. If a particular subject is hard or puts you to sleep, tackle it first while you are fresh.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What time does school start and how long are the classes?
The first bell starts at 8:30 and school finishes at 3:25. Students start arriving around 8:10 unless they have an early appointment with a teacher. There are seven (7) bells per day and each bell is around 50 minutes long with four minutes between classes. For the class schedule, visit the district website under “Mariemont High School” or the Mariemont High School calendar on the calendar page of the website. The school operates on quarters and semesters.
When is the first day of school?
Typically, the first day of school occurs during the third week of August. Please review the Annual Calendar available on the district website, parent tab.
Who is in charge around here?
Dr. Jim Renner is the principal of Mariemont High School and Mr. Trevor Block is the assistant principal. Mr. Tom Nerl is the district’s athletic director.
Do we have a homeroom?
No, there is no homeroom.
How will I find my classes on the first day?
Once you receive your schedule at orientation you can walk around that day to get used to the building and become more familiar with your schedule. You will have a paper copy of your schedule.
What
is your advice on homework?
Don’t procrastinate! Missing assignments can really affect your grades. Be sure to do your homework and turn it in on time for full credit. Find an organization system that works for you! Color-coded planners, folders and notebooks for each class can really help, as can staying digitally organized.
What is Warrior Bell?
The hallways are crowded in between bells so what is the best way to get somewhere quickly?
Walk on the right side of the hallway and go with the flow!
How do we get to know the upperclassmen?
You will meet many upperclassmen in your daily classes. A great way to meet people is to join an activity or sport.
Warrior Bell is a 35-minute block that occurs twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On these days, students go to their assigned classroom with an advisory teacher. Warrior Bell is used in a variety of different ways. Some days, it’s an opportunity for students to get homework done by using it as a study hall. Students can also use the bell to make an appointment with a teacher where they might need extra help in a class, or to make up a quiz. Sometimes, Warrior Bell might be used for a class meeting or for special programming.
How do I print my schoolwork and assignments?
Although we strongly encourage digital organization and being mindful of unnecessarily printing documents, we understand that sometimes there is a need to print so printing is available to you in the high school library using the remote desktop. Check with your teacher about other printing options.
Speaking of the library, is the library only for books?
No way! The Mariemont High School library is more of a collaborative workspace. Ask our librarians to give you information on all kinds of learning tools and research resources available through our library. According to our librarian, “change is happening at various speeds due to technology, and one of these changes is in the landscape of the school – and even public – library. The library is not just a warehouse anymore, it’s the place to get together, collaborate and create. It’s a community space.
How do I
find
out my bus route and schedule?
The district website is a great tool for this and for many, many other things. To find your bus schedule, check the district website under “Parents” or call transportation at 513-272-7510. The bus schedule is usually posted in early August each year. Remember, all school rules apply on the buses.
What is the district’s technology policy?
Mariemont City Schools is a one-to-one technology district, which means that all students are issued a common learning device to ensure equity, safety, security, and an improved learning experience. Students at the high school are issued an iPad with a case, a Brydge Keyboard, and an Apple pencil and the district provides all apps necessary for classes. Students are expected to bring their school device to school each day fully charged. Personal devices are not permitted without special authorization from the principal.
What is the school’s policy about smoking, alcohol and
drugs?
Don’t do it, especially on school property or at school events!
How do I get involved in building the Homecoming
float?
Any freshman who is interested should reach out to the class officers, check the announcements or ask the freshman class advisor. Each class starts building its float the Saturday before Homecoming. This is definitely a fun way to get involved with this competitive annual tradition!
What if I have to go to the bathroom or leave the classroom for any reason?
If you can, try to use the bathroom between bells or ask your teacher for permission to go before the tardy bell rings. You will need to ask your teacher if you need to leave the classroom for any reason.
Where do I find out more information about summer reading and summer assignments?
To find out more information about summer reading and assignments, visit the district website > Mariemont High School > Summer Assignments. This is usually updated by late May each year. Your teachers might also give you a heads up about summer expectations before the school year ends.
Tell me how lunch works at the high school.
Students are required to have lunch on campus until their junior year. Juniors and Seniors have the privilege of leaving campus for lunch by completing the Senior/Junior Lunch Privilege Form found on the district website. Lunch is 38 minutes long and is served in the Servery, which is downstairs in the hallway just outside the World Languages area. Students may eat in the hub area, the Bortz Activity Forum, or outside on one of the patios during nice weather. Food and drinks are not allowed in the classrooms.
Does
the district use
Yes! The school uses:
social media?
Instagram (mariemontschools)
Mariemont HS (mariemont_hs)
I’m
having a rough time. Is there someone I can talk to?
Of course there is! Never, ever feel like you are alone. If you are having a difficult time with your class schedule or classes, you can talk to your counselor or building principal any time. Don’t forget – everyone wants you to succeed!
Facebook (Mariemont City Schools)
Following the district’s social media is a great way to follow what’s going on with the school and community.
You can also talk to your counselor if you’re having a difficult time and feeling overwhelmed, depressed or upset. Added to that, the district has partnered with Child Focus, Inc. to offer additional mental health services for students. The high school has a licensed therapist who offers a more intensive level of services for students and families and can be accessed all year. We want every student to feel emotionally healthy and ready to learn. There is no shame in needing and asking for help.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Join an extracurricular activity and get the most out of your Mariemont High School experience!
Athletics
Mariemont students are well known for their excellence in athletics. For a school of our size, we are fortunate to be able to offer such a wide range of competitive athletic teams. Tryouts, practices, and schedules are too lengthy to include here, so please contact the high school office for further information on any team. Tom Nerl, the district athletic director, can help you by giving details or by putting you in contact with the coach of the team. NOTE: Incoming 9th grade students interested in playing sports must have passed 75% of their 4th quarter 8th grade classes. Go Warriors!
Art Club
The Art Club’s mission is to nurture a passion for the visual arts. Any student of Mariemont High School is welcome to join the Art Club. Previous art experience and participation in visual art classes is helpful and recommended but not required.
Art Club’s primary purpose is to create an environment that encourages a love of working with new materials and the marketing of their products. Our primary source of income comes from a variety of handcrafted items sold throughout the school year. In the past we have also participated in activities such as creating murals around school and other public artwork initiatives.
The Blueprint
The Mariemont High School Blueprint is the official school newspaper for MHS. The Blueprint is perfect for students interested in investigating and exploring stories from our community. Students meet weekly to assign stories, draft articles, complete interviews, and edit their pieces. Ultimately, we compile an issue of the paper to be published every 3-4 weeks. As upperclassmen, students have the opportunity to be co-editors of the paper.
Book Club
Mariemont High School Book Club meets every Friday morning starting at 7:45 a.m. in the library media center for food, fellowship and fun. We are a stress-free club welcoming anyone as a member with no requirements other than to keep an open mind. We typically choose one book to read together every 6-9 weeks which we borrow from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. We also have weekly activities and discussions about books in general.
Cappies
Book Club sponsors activities and contests during the year such as the Halloween Costume Contest, author visits, quarterly movie events, game nights, and the annual Book Club Ball. We sometimes go on field trips to other libraries and regularly invite special guests to come to our meetings to discuss their favorite books and their lives as readers.
The Critics and Awards Program is a critic-based theatre awards program that strives to recognize Greater Cincinnati’s talented community of young writers, performers, and technical crews. High school students who participate in the Cappies program are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, and write and publish reviews. At the end of the school year, the student critics vote to give awards to their fellow students for outstanding productions, group and individual performances, and achievements in technical categories. Awards are presented at the annual Cappies Gala at the Aronoff Center. Participating schools are all across Cincinnati, and students are not only exposed to different theatre, but also new friendships across schools. Schools each have a critic team of five to nine students who see at least five shows each year. The submitted reviews are judged and the top ten are selected to be published on the Cappies website. Since there are a limited number of spots, students must audition and be selected by the committee to be a part of the team. Auditions for Cappies Team are generally held at the beginning of the school year if there are spots available for underclassmen.
Chem Club
Chem Club is a student-led group in which we conduct fun, collaborative labs and hear from guest speakers about careers in chemistry. The goal of the club is to offer exposure to chemistry to students of all levels, whether they’re in AP Chemistry or haven’t ever taken a chemistry class, and to explore and spark interest in this fascinating field of science.
Chess Club
Chess Club meets once a week during lunch for friendly competition in a relaxed atmosphere. Chess Club also participates in regional competitions with area districts and a year-end tournament. All are welcome to join – no experience necessary.
Creative Writing Club
Creative Writing Club is for students interested in meeting with other student writers and developing their writing. The club meets once a week during lunch. Students have the opportunity to write, share, and discuss their work with other young writers. The club is student-led and provides members with thought-provoking topics to consider and encourages personal writing goals. Creative Writing Club also shares publication and workshop opportunities outside of school.
Crochet Club
The Crochet Club is a fun, laid-back group where students can learn and practice crochet at their own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, come join us to make cool projects, hang out with friends, and get creative with yarn!
Culinary Club
Culinary Club gives students hands-on experience in the kitchen, learning basic cooking skills and making easy treats, including no-bake recipes. Activities may take place in the school kitchen or an off-campus commercial kitchen, helping students build practical skills and explore their interest in food.
Debate Club
Debate Club at Mariemont High School is set up to prepare students to compete in the National Ethics Bowl Competition put on by UC at the local level, and UNC at the national level. UNC provides hypothetical cases that students study, discuss, debate, and answer questions about to prepare for competitions. These cases ask them to consider ethical and moral questions regarding a wide range of issues.
DECA
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA provides students with the opportunity to compete for local, state, and international Officer Roles, compete for events and scholarships, attend leadership conferences, and perform service-learning projects. DECA is co-curricular, meaning students must be enrolled in a High School business course to become a member. Membership includes 220,000 students and advisers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, China, Korea, Japan and Germany.
Environmental Club
Environmental Club is based on pursuing environmental change and providing education for the community. The club, open to students in grades 9-12, meets about twice every month and works on differing projects throughout the years. We have been working on removing invasive plants and trees along Miami Bluffs and have now shifted towards clearing the perimeter of the high school campus. We have also planted a pollinator garden on the campus grounds and tend to that. Come and join us if you enjoy making the community an eco-friendlier place.
Esports
Mariemont Esports teams were established in 2019 and seek to provide students with the opportunity to play team organized and competitive Overwatch,
Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in the Esports Ohio League throughout the Fall and Spring seasons. A time commitment is required each season to meet for practice, regular season matches, and playoff matches. As Esports grows there are opportunities for scholarships from major colleges, etc. so students who excel at them can continue their careers into college if they choose.
Fall Play
Every November, a play is performed with the purpose of getting students involved in the theatre. Students in grades 9-12 may audition for acting parts in early September. Technical and backstage crew positions begin in October. Students have fun working together as a team and learning about the art of theatre.
Rehearsals are held two or three days a week after school and one Saturday between early September and late November.
Future Leaders of Medicine
In Future Leaders of Medicine Club, those who are interested in going into the medical field can explore possible careers, learn from professionals in the field, and explore college options. Students have the opportunity to share their career interests and aspirations with other members of the club. Meetings will be held with current medical professionals and students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about different medical career options. Future Leaders of Medicine Club is a great option for students who wish to learn about the next steps to achieving their goals in healthcare and gain an overall greater understanding of medicine.
Gay Straight Alliance Club (GSA)
The Gay Straight Alliance Club (GSA) is a student-led club that provides a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to build community, foster friendship, and support one another. It offers a space for connection and inclusivity. All students are welcome, and participation is entirely voluntary. Parent permission is required to participate in this club.
High School Band
The Mariemont High School Band is a full year curricular course open to all students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate proficiency and/or have a desire to play a band instrument. The Band participates in various activities throughout the school year:
Concert Band:
The concert band performs in school concerts and in OMEA District XIV sanctioned events.
Indoor Drumline:
The indoor drumline is one of the sports of the arts. The drumline is an extracurricular, competitive musical ensemble that is active through the winter and spring months. Auditions are held annually. Rehearsals are arranged at the discretion of the director(s), and generally take place afternoons and evenings. Performances and competitions are held in the evenings and/or on weekends.
Interalliance Club
The Interalliance is for students interested in the fields of Information Technology, Computer Science, or Cyber Security. We attend different events throughout the year (such as the Women in IT Conference) and participate in cybersecurity-based capture the flag tournaments.
International Club
Marching Band:
The marching band performs in community parades and at all home and away football games.
Pep Band:
The pep band performs at home basketball games.
Color Guard:
This auxiliary unit is the visual component of the marching band. The color guard performs in parades and at all home and away football games.
The International Club is dedicated to enriching awareness and understanding of different cultures throughout the MHS community. This club aims to facilitate culture learning and exchange to further foster cultural appreciation among students and staff. It also provides opportunities for Mariemont students to socialize and build lifelong friendships with exchange students. The goal is to bring international experiences to all Mariemont students.
Cultural activities and discussions will be held to offer opportunities for students to learn about other cultures. Key Club Key Club is an international service organization affiliated with Kiwanis. Any students, grades 9-12, who are interested in performing community service, are invited to participate. The fall organizational meeting is the time for new members to join. Dues required.
To be considered an active member, students must perform 12 hours of community service (6 credits). These activities include, but are not limited to, ushering at plays, working at the Mariemont Kiwanis Art Fair, and the annual canned food drive.
Mariemont Kiwanis, which helps to sponsor Key Club, typically provides up to $15,000 in merit-based scholarships to MHS seniors and graduates each school year. Kiwanis gives extra consideration to those applicants who are members of Key Club.
Latin Club
Mariemont Latin Club meets every other Wednesday at lunch. Students prepare projects for the annual Ohio Junior Classical League Convention held in Columbus in March. Students compete against Latin Club students from schools throughout the state in a variety of competitions: club competitions such as banner, scrapbook, and skit; performance competitions such as dramatic interpretation, oratory, and Latin recitation; artistic competitions such as drawing and painting, ceramics, and photography; and academic competitions such as mythology, vocabulary, Roman history, derivatives, and literature. Outstanding projects are eligible for the annual National Junior Classical League Convention. Dues are $6.00 per year.
Latin Quiz Team
Mariemont Latin Quiz Team practices are scheduled in place of Latin Club meetings on weeks in which we have Certamen matches. Students answer questions in a quiz show format on Latin language and vocabulary, classical culture and civilization, and Greco-Roman mythology. Students compete in teams against Latin Quiz teams from area high schools. Students compete according to their level of Latin: Novice (Latin I), Intermediate
(Latin II), or Upper Level (Latin III, IV, AP). All matches (about five per year) are held on Saturday mornings at the University of Cincinnati and high schools in the Cincinnati area. The Latin Quiz team season begins in October and ends in March with the state tournament in Columbus.
The Leadership Council generally meets on the second Tuesday of every month at lunch. Some examples of typical activities are support of needy Mariemont/Cincinnati families at Christmas and other holidays, school improvement ideas, recognition of diversity and diverse holidays, leadership speakers, and mentoring younger students in the community.
Makerspace Club
Leadership Council
The Leadership Council exists to foster leadership, character and decision-making skills while improving the community environment. This may be accomplished through major projects or small acts of kindness. Teachers can nominate students in grades 9-12 who have demonstrated potential or leadership skills. The membership is limited to 50 members, spread out over all four grades. Members who fail to participate in club activities or miss two or more meetings are dropped from the roster.
Makerspace Club meets weekly in the MHS library to work on projects and learn how to use Makerspace tools like 3D printers, the Cricut, the Glowforge laser cutter, and the sewing machine. Come work on your passion projects with other student makers!
Mariemont High School Class Officers
Four class officers are chosen by their classmates in an election held each spring. President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Prospective candidates must register prior to the election with the current Student Council Advisor and attend an organizational meeting held with the current Class Advisor after school which defines the officers’ responsibilities. The primary function of the officers is to promote class spirit
and provide leadership opportunities for themselves and their classmates. Specific responsibilities related to homecoming (the class float and parade), the prom (junior year), and graduation (junior and senior year) are also involved. In addition, Class Presidents will serve ex officio on Student Council.
and 10th grade years as there is a service requirement to be inducted into our chapter of NHS. Classes 2026-2027: 3 service hours are required before a student’s application will be considered. Class of 2028 and on: 5 service hours are required.
Quiz Team
National Honor Society
NHS is made up of juniors and seniors who model scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students with a 3.5+ GPA are invited to apply during the first quarter of their junior year. A faculty committee reviews applications for evidence of leadership, service, and character in addition to academics. Members must maintain a 3.5 GPA, pay $25 yearly dues, attend meetings, and participate in required service projects.
Students should build strong records of service and leadership during their 9th
Quiz team is a competitive, and academic activity for which players can practice a range of questions from high school curriculum to current events, sports, and popular culture. Competitions feature a blend of individual and team collaboration, since it is likely not one player is an expert in all areas. This is a great way to master various areas of knowledge while showing off your own expertise in the midst of making friends in a game-like setting. We are a part of the Cincinnati Academic League and compete with other schools in the area at Cincinnati State University on Mondays after school. Our practices consist of friendly (but merciless and unbridled) competition in Mrs. MacLeod’s room every other Thursday during lunch. BYOL (bring your own lunch).
Robotics Team
The Robotics Teams work together to design, build and program robots to perform a variety of tasks. Teams have the
option of competing in local, state and national competitions. The Robotics Team currently uses VEX robotics materials and software. The team meets during lunch, one to two days a week. This club is open to anyone interested in robotics.
No experience is necessary.
Sources of Strength
Sources of Strength is a mental health wellness program that utilizes the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture to ultimately prevent suicide. Sources of Strength takes an upstream approach in our prevention efforts. Throughout the year, student leaders launch a variety of campaigns focusing on messages of hope, help, and strength. Student leaders are a diverse group of students who were nominated by their peers to be a part of the program.
Spanish Club
The Spanish Club is a vibrant group that celebrates the rich cultures of Spanish speaking countries. Open to all students at any time throughout the year, the club offers activities such as cultural celebrations, language practice, culinary adventures, film and literature discussions, community service, and more! Members can improve their Spanish skills, immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences, and engage with local Spanish-speaking communities, all while making new friends and having fun.
Spirit Club
The Spirit Club is an organization made up of Mariemont students to promote MHS extracurricular activities. The Spirit Club is for students in grades 9-12 who wish to help build spirit within the school. The club has several promotional events each season to help increase the attendance, positive attitude, sportsmanship, and commitment to all MHS extracurricular activities.
Spring Musical
Each spring, Mariemont High School students rehearse and perform a Broadway musical for the community. Auditions, held in mid-November, are open to all students in grades 9–12. Directors provide audition materials for lead, supporting, and ensemble roles. Depending on the part, students may be asked to complete acting, singing, and/or dance auditions. Students who prefer not to perform may participate behind the scenes, working in areas such as lights, sound, sets, or costumes.
Rehearsals take place after school and/or in the evenings depending on the role and there are some weekend commitments. Early rehearsals focus separately on vocals, acting, and choreography; during the final two weeks, the cast combines all elements of the production. After auditions, students receive a full rehearsal schedule to help avoid conflicts.
Students interested in leading roles are encouraged to gain vocal and dramatic experience beforehand—such as participating in junior high and high school chorus, taking voice lessons, learning music reading, or enrolling in acting classes.
Student Council
The Student Council acts as the liaison between the student body and the faculty and administration. As the leaders of the school, class representatives organize student involvement and plan student activities. A couple examples of Student Council activities done in prior years include: organizing the Homecoming ceremonies and dance in the fall, and arranging the Snowball dance. Student Council raises the school spirit and, when appropriate, offers new proposals to the administration on behalf of the student body.
Student Voices
Student Voices is a student-led committee consisting of diverse perspectives, which inform and drive positive change within our school culture and community. Membership is by invitation only.
