The start of the 2024-2025 school year came with many new developments at Bridgewater-Raritan High School (BRHS).
One of these changes was Tracee Cobbs, the Assistant Principal for 9th Grade.
From the beginning of her career, Ms. Cobbs hoped that by pursuing a career in the education field, she could make a difference in her students’ lives by helping them become successful as their true selves. She also wanted to encourage her other co-workers to be the finest professionals that they could be.
As the assistant principal for freshmen students, Ms. Cobbs seeks to ensure that they are able to adjust to the new school environment. To put this goal into action, the school implemented the Freshman Transition Program, which she is involved in.
“[I am] working with guidance counselors to ensure that students have what they need to move forward in their transition into high school,” she said.
This program is directed by Jessica Kaiser, the high school’s College Career Counselor, and runs through students’ health classes to familiarize them with the new expectations, routines, and procedures of the high school.
Yet along with the 9th Graders, Ms. Cobbs also finds herself adapting to Bridgewater-Raritan High School as she learns more about the school and students here. She found meeting the diverse group of freshmen this year enlightening and is excited to have the opportunity to support their needs in the best way she can.
Beyond the students, Ms. Cobbs finds the community on campus quite similar to the one she grew up in.
“There is a level of self-identification with the students that allows me to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their wins,” she said.
As she helps the freshmen grow this year, she hopes to mak students into the kindest and bravest versions of themselves by creating more academic and emotional support for the kids while also “maintaining an open door policy of fairness for teachers”.
The 2024-25 school year will be filled with a lot of ups and downs—obstacles and great memories—but Ms. Cobbs hopes that with the help of the BRHS faculty, it can be a great year for all students.
