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What Matters Most in Your Freshman Year
IN SCHOOL:
ATTENDANCE:
It is very important that you attend school on a regular basis!!!
Attending class is not only required for course credit, but also
is necessary for learning. Also, make sure that you are on time to school and each class every day. Being punctual will help you be successful and avoid negative consequences.
STUDY SKILLS:
Here are some helpful hints:
-Set aside time every day to do your homework and study.
-Know what study skills are best for your learning
style.
-If you do not understand something, ask for help!
-Attempt to do well on your schoolwork even when it
isn"t interesting to you. Or better yet, find a way to make it interesting!
-When you know you need to study, wait to go out
with friends until after you are finished.
-Always study for tests even when you do not feel you need to.
-Study with a friend!!
-Use flashcards as a way to remember information or quiz yourself when preparing to
take a test.
ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
-Use your agenda to write down assignments and then copy them onto a
calendar at home.
-Keep all of your materials and assignments in a separate folder for each class.
-Take notes during class to help you stay focused and so that you can have a study guide to use later on.
-Clean out your locker periodically.
GETTING ALONG WITH YOUR PEERS
If you are having problems with another student and need mediation, seek Ms. Kluczynski for assistance. Ms. Kluczynski is available when there is a problem between you and another student and you both want help to resolve it. If you are being bullied or harassed at school, please talk to a counselor, social worker, principal or teacher immediately so that they can help you deal with the situation.
GET INVOLVED!
Participate in a club, activity, sport, etc. See the list of clubs/sports offered at the High School on our school"s website.
EXPOLORE YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
See Mrs. Lewis in the Career Center (room 125) for more information.
SETTING PERSONAL GOALS
Setting goals helps to keep you focused on what you want to accomplish. Not sure where to start? See Ms. Kluczynski in room 102.
ASK FOR HELP!!!
If you are struggling at school, ask for help! If you have a question about an assignment, talk to your teacher. If you need help with research or to get caught up on your work, go to the Academic Learning Center (ALC) located in room 226. If you do not know where to begin, talk to your counselor or Ms. Kluczynski for assistance.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS
-Get to know your classmates
-Join a club or sport (this is one of the best ways to get involved and meet new people)
-Surround yourself with people who will be be a positive influence in your life
-Talk to your teachers
-Ask your peer mentor for help
AT HOME:
GET ENOUGH SLEEP!!
Did you know that insufficient sleep is common among teens? It is estimated that up to 40% of high school and college students are sleep deprived. Not getting enough sleep can affect your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems. It can also lead to you being impatient with your family members, friends or teachers.
Here are some suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation to help you get healthy sleep:
-Make sleep a priority!
-If necessary, take a nap but be sure that it is not too long or too close to bedtime so that it does not interfere with your regular sleep.
-Avoid caffeine, tea, soda/pop and chocolate late in the day so that you can get to sleep at night.
-Make your room a sleep haven. Keep it cool, quiet and dark.
-Establish a bed and wake-time and stick to it, even on the weekends. A consistent sleep schedule will help you feel less tired since it allows your body to get into a pattern.
-Don"t eat, drink or exercise within a few hours of your bedtime. Don"t leave your homework to the last minute and avoid watching TV, using the computer or cell phone in the hour before you go to sleep. Instead, try a calm, quiet activity so that you can fall asleep much more easily.
LEARN TO COPE EFFECTIVELY WITH STRESS
If you are faced with a problem and do not know what to do, talk to someone about it! As a school social worker, I help students who are dealing with personal problems, which can lead to poor academic achievement. So if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress talk to someone and let them know what is going on.
EAT HEALTHY AND STAY ACTIVE!!!
Eating healthy, nutritious food will help you have energy all day and get the vitamins and minerals you need. Staying active by getting regular exercise will benefit your mind and body.
REMEMBER THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO A SUCCESSFUL FRESHMAN YEAR!!!
Last Modified on June 24, 2022
