By Caroline Gentile ‘13, News Section Editor. As of this school year, the Upper School’s 9th grade Humanities program is no more; in its place are five sections each of independent 9th grade English and History classes. “It just wasn’t Humanities anymore,” said Upper School Hear Mrs. Stephanie Luebbers.

By Edwin Sam ‘13, Sports Section Editor. Following a long year of endless hype, predictions, and excitement about this year’s incoming grade, the freshmen have made their grand entrance into the athletic scene in style. They have not only met the standards and expectations set last year, but exceeded them, making headlines and setting records in various sports. From soccer to tennis to golf, these freshmen have answered the questions asked of them and are ready to make names for themselves.

By Haleigh Miller ‘12, News Section Editor. As they walk through the doors, their eyes tend to grow larger. Some suddenly begin to perspire, shake, or silently swear. For many students just coming into the ninth grade, high school can be something exciting, stressful, or just an abyss with a giant question mark hovering in front of the unknown.

By Holly Dayton, ‘13, Contributor. While seniors are battling senioritis and juniors are overloaded with work, many freshmen are stressing about their college prospects. In preparation for their futures, 11 freshmen took the January SAT at CCDS this year, accounting for 18% of high students taking the test during that date.

By Meg Lazarus, ’13, Contributor. I’d somehow thought that I would be expected to make speeches every day, but instead, my biggest responsibilities are to plan for group activities involving the entire grade like T-shirts.

By Holly Dayton, ‘13, Contributor. Last Wednesday, Jan. 13, herds of 8th graders wandered wide-eyed through the US halls. No, they weren’t lost—they were visiting their future home!

By Sally Portman, ’13, and Sophie Weinstein, ’13, Contributors. Freshmen share the highs and lows of baking a pie from scratch. Recipe included!