For many students, the transition from middle school to high school can be overwhelming. New expectations, a faster pace, and increased independence can make freshman year feel like an uphill climb. But at Monmouth-Roseville High School, a program called Freshman On Track Advisory is making that transition smoother, helping students build better study habits, manage stress, and stay accountable for their academic success.

This program is more than just a support system—it’s a roadmap for success.

Each freshman is assigned to a small advisory group led by one of nine teachers who serve as mentors and guides throughout the year. These teachers monitor grades, provide academic support, and teach valuable life skills to help students build confidence and independence in their studies.

“We want to start our freshmen off on the best foot possible,” said Sarah Hall, one of the advisors and a member of the school improvement team that helped launch the program.

In these advisories, students learn how to manage their assignments, stay organized, and build strong study habits. Every Monday, they check their grades, and on Wednesdays, they receive a printout of any missing work so they know exactly what they need to focus on.

And it’s not just about academics. The advisory program also includes lessons on stress management, dealing with anxiety, and preparing for high-stakes tests.

“These are big issues for freshmen,” Hall said. “We want to give them the tools to navigate them successfully.”

The program’s impact is measurable.

At the start of the year, the school set a goal to have 90% of freshmen on track to graduate—meaning they could fail no more than one semester of a core class like math, English, science, or history.

By the end of the first semester, an incredible 95% of freshmen were on track—an achievement that reflects both the students’ hard work and the dedication of the staff supporting them.

Hall, who has been with Monmouth-Roseville for more than 17 years, has seen firsthand how much this program is changing the freshman experience.

“It’s all about relationships,” she said. “When students know there’s a team of people behind them, they’re more motivated to push themselves.”

Freshman Maddie Cook has embraced the program’s structure and support, using it to fuel her success in the classroom.

“I’ve always liked school,” Maddie said. “English is probably my favorite, but I also love math and biology. Learning about biology has become even more meaningful to me because I have Type 1 diabetes, so it’s helped me understand more about myself.”

But Maddie isn’t just excelling academically—she’s balancing a full schedule of activities, including choir, theater, and an incredible 10 events for solo and ensemble competitions.

She credits the advisory program with helping her manage her time effectively so she can balance her academic workload and extracurricular commitments.

“Staying on top of assignments is important, especially when you’re involved in a lot of things,” she said.

Her advisor, Leanne Rohn, has helped guide her through the adjustment to high school while also reinforcing the importance of organization and accountability.

“Maddie is a rock star,” Rohn said. “She has everything color-coded, keeps track of assignments, and really uses the tools we’ve given her.”

For freshman Liam Rodriguez, the program has helped him stay focused on his goals while balancing sports and academics.

A dedicated soccer and basketball player, Liam enjoys his Intro to Ag class, where he’s learning about the impact of agriculture across the country. While he hasn’t joined FFA yet, he sees the value in being part of a program that connects students to real-world applications of agriculture and business.

Balancing sports, academics, and a social life is a challenge for any high school freshman, but Liam’s advisory has helped him stay on track and accountable.

“I really think the teachers help a lot,” he said. “Without their support, it would be much harder to figure everything out on your own.”

He also appreciates the diversity and cultural richness of Monmouth, something that has shaped his experience at the school.

“I have friends who speak French, Spanish, and different dialects,” Liam said. “A lot of our soccer players come from all over—Mexico, Africa—it makes things more interesting.”

Beyond the individual successes, the Freshman On Track Advisory program is creating a culture of achievement and accountability that will continue to impact students long after their first year.

Students aren’t just passing their classes—they’re learning how to advocate for themselves, manage their time, and develop the skills needed for long-term success.

“It’s a big transition from eighth grade to high school,” Hall said. “But we’ve built a program that meets students where they are and gives them the tools to move forward.”

With dedicated teachers, a proven system of support, and engaged students willing to put in the effort, Monmouth-Roseville’s freshmen are not just surviving high school—they’re thriving in it.