Academic Planning

Success in high school requires higher-order thinking, which can only be obtained through regular and consistent studying. Doing your homework is only the beginning. To understand the material, you must spend time reviewing, thinking, making connections and associations. The content you are learning in the class should make sense and have meaning to you as a learner. If not, strive for it. Use various learning styles until you find several that work for you. Your approach may vary depending on the content of the course or type of test.

You cannot rely on your memory any longer. It is imperative that you write things down. This is a life skill that you should develop now. Use your agenda for short and long term assignment planning.

The method by which people stay organized is personal. It is difficult for one person to tell another person how to organize. Your organizational offense might change depending on the teaching style of your teacher or the structure of a specific course.

While grades are certainly important, so is your health and emotional well-being. It is critical that students in high school get enough sleep and eat properly. Your mind and body are growing at a rapid rate during this time. You will be more successful if you maintain proper balance with what your body needs

High School is a great time to explore and discover your interests, gifts, and talents. You might be good at something you have never considered trying before now. Don’t put limits on yourself, rather challenge your comfort zone.

You have four years in high school and each year is weighted equally. As a freshman, you are starting high school with great potential and endless possibilities. Lose any bad habits you brought from middle school and start with a clean slate. Identify your learning strategies and apply them to every class. It has been said a goal without a plan is only as good as a wish, so plan ahead and take action.

Be confident and be yourself. Get into the habit of saying hi to people and don’t be afraid to talk to new people. Set a goal to become more comfortable with a more diverse group of people. Again, this is a life skill that will help you later.

You are busy enough as it is. The last thing you need is to worry about things you cannot control. High school should only be a competition with yourself only. Focus on yourself. Focus on what you can do to make yourself better. Then, most importantly, go for it!

Get in the habit of planning properly. It's best to accustom yourself to getting things done early and out of the way rather than waiting until the last minute. Procrastination leads unhealthy stress.